Bayer MaterialScience AG is increasing sales prices for its Apec and Makrolon brands of polycarbonate by EUR 0.25 per kilogram, and for its Bayblend and Makroblend brands by EUR 0.20 per kilogram as of March 1, 2007.

This applies to all deliveries in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa), the company said.

"The decision by the Polycarbonates Business Unit to raise prices is largely motivated by constantly rising production costs, especially caused by the increased price of the needed raw materials," the company said in a statement.

Polycarbonate is the main incredient of optical storage media, CD and DVDs. With sales of EUR 10.7 billion in 2005, Bayer MaterialScience AG is one of the world?s largest polymer manufacturers. Its main fields of activity are the production of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of everyday life. The main consumer sectors are the automotive, electrical/electronics, construction, sports and leisure industries. Bayer MaterialScience has production facilities at 40 sites around the world and a workforce of approx. 18,800. Bayer MaterialScience is part of the Bayer Group.