MUNICH, GERMANY (January 17, 2006) – Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, a business unit of Süd-Chemie AG, is to expand its position in the European pharmaceutical packaging market through Süd-Chemie Schweiz SA, a joint venture with Swiss company Plaspaq SA, Broc.

The joint venture complements Süd-Chemie’s existing global position in packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Plaspaq, a specialist in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical packaging, has strong experience and a major market position in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The joint venture has positive implications for pharmaceutical companies worldwide. With Plaspaq’s production base, experience and expertise, Süd-Chemie can expand its offerings to European customers in strategic markets, as well as increase its polymer packaging product offerings to its global markets. The product line is synergistic with Süd-Chemie’s myriad and specialty products including tubes and desiccant stoppers, desiccant canisters and inserts, desiccant polymers, dosers, dispensers and customized packaging components.

“The formation of this joint venture is a key step for Süd-Chemie and strengthens its position as a leading provider of packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, diagnostic and medical industries,” says Dr. Günter von Au, chairman of the Süd-Chemie AG managing board. “Thanks to its worldwide presence in this segment, Süd-Chemie is the ideal partner for global pharmaceutical companies.”

Süd-Chemie AG (www.sud-chemie.com) is an independent specialty chemical company headquartered in Munich and operating on a worldwide scale. The common denominator for all of its products and innovations is the efficient and sparing use of natural resources to enhance the quality of life for humans and the environment. Sales of €862 million were generated in 2004, 80% of these outside Germany. Süd-Chemie employs more than 5,100 people at its 62 sales and production sites around the world.

Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging is a global manufacturer of active, smart and protective packaging solutions, including desiccants, packaged absorbents, absorbent polymers, humidity indicators and other customized packaging products. The company has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as a worldwide network of sales offices and distributors. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging provides packaging solutions to pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutraceutical, electronic, food, agriculture, chemical, automotive and many other industries. The company is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

For more information regarding Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging products, contact one of its many global offices below or visit its global Web site: www.s-cpp.com.

France: Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging/Airsec SA; 6 rue Louise Michel, BP 207, Choisy le Roi, France, 94 603; info.france@sud-chemie.com

Germany: Süd-Chemie AG, Schutzverpackungen, Ostenriederstraße 15, Moosburg, Germany, 85368; Tel: +49-8761-82-761; Fax: +49-8761-82-755; Email: info.deutschland@sud-chemie.com; or, Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging Airsec

Americas: Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging; 926 South 8th Street, PO Box 610, Colton, CA, 92324; Tel: 909-825-1793; Toll Free: 800-966-1793; Fax: 909-825-0923; E-mail: info@s-cpp.com