HOUSTON (Oct. 7) — Kraton Polymers L.L.C. is warning customers shortages of isoprene related to petrochemical plants being off-line in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may affect the availability of its isoprene-based thermoplastic copolymers.
"We are currently anticipating that we will be able to serve customers as planned, with limitations only applying to our isoprene-based products," Kraton said in a prepared statement. "We see further tightening of both primary and secondary raw material supply, translating into increased cost proportional to the prevailing markets."
Kraton also said delivery capabilities have been hampered by a nationwide freight availability issue.
"Our plants areàproducing in line with our supply plan that was developed prior to the recent hurricanes," said David Bradley, vice president of operations. "Outside of tightly constrained isoprene products, we anticipate that we will be able to meet our customer needs."
Kraton's isoprene-based products include styrenic block copolymers, based on styrene, isoprene and other monomers, and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer materials, sold under the Kraton name.