Wilmington, DE , Jan. 3, 2008 - - Effective immediately, the Paper Technologies and Ventures group of Hercules Incorporated (NYSE: HPC) will initiate price increases in North America for the majority of its sizing agents, polymers, and strength additives.  Price increases for other product lines will be in line with specific raw material escalation.    

Chet Cross, Director and General Manager - Americas, Hercules Paper Technologies and Ventures stated, “The steep escalation of several critical raw materials, energy, and transportation costs has pushed us to adjust our prices to maintain the long term health of our business.  However, we will continue to work in partnership with our clients to help offset or mitigate these  increases. “