Hercules Introduces New Culminal(R) Product Line for Construction.

Culminal([R]) S Cellulose Ethers - Superior Performance

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Hercules Incorporated (NYSE:HPC) today announced that the Aqualon business unit is introducing Culminal([R]) S cellulose ethers as a result of technological developments based on unique methylcellulose chemistry. This chemistry offers new superior performance to the construction market. Compared to other cellulose ethers, the Culminal S line of products offer:

* Faster cement setting due to extremely low retardation effect;

* Improved strength development;

* Smooth dispersion in gypsum machine plaster reducing lumps and improving workability; and

* High mortar stability giving constant properties over the entire working life.

Culminal S cellulose ethers for various grades of tile cement and gypsum machine plaster are available now, or will be commercialized by the end of the year. New Culminal S products tailored to specific end uses and customer requirements are planned as additions to this product line.

For additional information, please contact your Aqualon representative or Wade Tanev, Global New Product Leader for Construction at Aqualon, 1313 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19894-0001, by phone at [phone], or by e-mail at [e-mail].

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.