Archroma enters into a license agreement with Igcar for its newly patented OBA technology
“Cease and desist” orders sent to suppliers using the technology without Archroma’s permission

Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals, today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Igcar, a Spain-based group producing optical brighteners for the paper, textile, detergent and coatings industry. The agreement provides Igcar with access to Archroma’s patented “improved optical brightening compositions” technology (patent family WO 2009/118247). This patent has been granted in many countries, and in Europe was confirmed after appeal.

The Optical Brightening Agent (OBA) technology developed by Archroma combines magnesium salts with optical brighteners. Papers treated with the patented process show enhanced brightness and whiteness levels, offering consumers a more pleasurable writing and printing experience. The patent covers mixed salts of most of the common paper optical brighteners with magnesium cations.

Archroma follows standard business practice in defending and respecting patents and has recently issued “cease and desist” orders to several OBA suppliers whose products have been shown by independent analysis to infringe its proprietary technology.

Valerie Diele-Braun, President Paper Solutions at Archroma, said: “Archroma strives to offer innovation to our customers and partners. The license agreements announced today recognize the value that our innovations add to paper to benefit paper makers and end-users whilst protecting our property rights.”

Media Relations

Marilyn Chua

Archroma

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About Archroma

Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, and coatings, adhesives and sealants markets.

Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Archroma operates with more than 4,500 employees located in 42 countries and with over 30 production sites.

Archroma is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. The company is committed to the principles of "The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, Efficient, Enhanced. It's our nature!"; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency.

www.archroma.com


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