Midland, MI - October 17, 2005

Effective December 1, 2005, The Dow Chemical Company will increase all list and off-list prices for all grades of ETHOCEL* ethylcellulose ethers globally by 5 to 8 percent. Specific increases will be dependent on product grade and world area.

According to Eunice Heath, global business director for ETHOCEL, "This increase is partially in response to rising costs for raw materials, energy and transportation. More importantly, however, we are continuing to focus our resources on improving our production and service capabilities for our customers. This increase allows for the continued investment in these areas."

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For further information, visit Dow's website at www.ethocel.com.

For Editorial Information:

Jennifer Sigsworth
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-1113