Hercules Introduces Coating Systems for Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Tablets.

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Hercules Incorporated (NYSE:HPC) today announced that the Aqualon business unit is introducing Aquarius(TM) coating systems, a new family of dry, fully-formulated film coatings, that can enable pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturers to enhance tablet aesthetics, minimize defects, shorten coating times, and reduce costs.

Aquarius coating systems are formulated with high-purity cellulosic polymers manufactured by Aqualon. Aqualon produces and markets the world's broadest range of pharmaceutical-grade cellulosic excipients, including Klucel([R]) hydroxypropylcellulose, Benecel([R]) hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Aqualon([R]) ethylcellulose, Aqualon([R]) sodium carboxymethylcellulose, Blanose([R]) sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and Natrosol([R]) hydroxyethylcellulose.

Because Aqualon formulators have access to this unrivaled range of polymers, Aquarius coating systems deliver the optimum balance of film strength, flexibility, and adhesion, even on the most challenging tablet cores.

Aquarius coating systems are available in clear, white, and full color formulations. A color library of several hundred colors has been developed, and Aqualon colorists can quickly create new colors or provide custom matching.

Aquarius coating systems have been designed to enhance productivity. Because they are fully formulated, solutions can be prepared in only

thirty minutes simply by adding to well-agitated water. Most Aquarius coating systems can be sprayed at 20% solids, which increases throughput and reduces energy and labor costs relative to conventional, lower-solids coatings.

For additional information, please contact Logan Sturgill at Aqualon, 1313 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19894-0001 or by phone at [phone].

Hercules manufactures and markets chemical specialties globally for making a variety of products for home, office and industrial markets. For more information, visit the Hercules website at www.herc.com.

Aqualon, a business unit of Hercules Incorporated, is a world leader in products that manage the physical properties of aqueous systems. Most of Aqualon's products are derived from renewable natural raw materials. For more information, visit the Aqualon website at www.herc.com/aqualon.