Plastic Material News

New Hopper / Mini Silos for Dry Bulk Materials Enable Processors to "Go Green" & Recoup Costs in Less Than a Year

Early Installations Verify Quick Payback, Cost Savings, Increased Productivity

April 30, 2009 - FLORENCE, KY - A proprietary new dry bulk hopper mini silo system comprised of one or more reusable containers now enables companies handling dry bulk materials to initiate a “Go Green” program to replace fiber drums, cardboard boxes, wood pallets and super sacks.  The rugged plastic containers serve as multi-purpose all-in-one shipping, storage and dispensing systems.  According to company sources at DW Global Group, the investment for a multi-purpose dry bulk hopper system can be as little as $5,000 to $10,000, with a ROI (return-on-investment) in less than a year.

The new system comprises strong, reusable translucent containers that efficiently and effectively eliminate the need for traditional, non-green and wasteful containers that often are damaged or simply discarded after one or two uses.  Provided with secure lids, the system allows manufacturers and processors to ship and receive materials in the same containers, and dispense directly from them, allowing customers to increase their productivity.   Units can be stacked up to 3 high for a total of 2,400 lbs (1088.62 kg).

Benefits include:

• ROI in less than a year
• Excellent way to accomplish a GREEN program
• Reusable containers that eliminate the need for fiber drums, cardboard boxes, wood pallets and super sacks
• Secure lid to enable manufacturers to ship material to processing manufacturing operation
• Improved  weighing and batch system, along with the use of a vacuum system to ensure material availability
• Reduced downtime and fatigue
• Hoppers can be stacked up to 3 high for a total of 2,400 lbs. (1088.66 kg.) of material
• Each hopper has valve underneath for easy flow of material from hoppers to manufacturing machine
• Hoppers can be filled and stacked for recurring scheduled orders, making process even more efficient
• Hoppers designed to improve handling, increase productivity and reduce waste.

Applications are virtually unlimited, and can include: plastics, pharmaceutical, food, sand, metal powders, dry detergents and agricultural products, among, others, or wherever powders, pellets or granules need to be shipped, stored and/or dispensed.

During operation and use, the dry bulk hoppers can be filled and stacked for recurring scheduled orders, making the process much more efficient.  They improve handling, increase productivity and, most important, eliminate waste.

DW Global Group specializes in container and packaging solutions with standard and proprietary material handling, storage and dispensing products and systems.  These include a wide range of products and systems to improve handling, increase productivity, eliminate fatigue and reduce waste.  Global also provides refurbished once-used galvanized gaylord containers.

For more information on the new dry bulk hopper/mini silo system, contact:  Marketing Department, DW Global Group, 8459 F U.S. 42, #292, Florence, KY 41042.  Tel: 859-466-5065.  Fax: 859-384-7998.  E-mail: dw@dwglobalgroup.com.  Web: www.dwglobalgroup.com.

SEPC Successfully Starts Up New Petrochemical Complex

April 29, 2009 - ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) has successfully started up its Petrochemical Complex in Al-Jubail Industrial City, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SEPC, formed in 2006, is a joint venture owned by LyondellBasell Industries (25%) and Tasnee and Sahara Petrochemical Company (75%).

 The complex includes facilities that produce:

• 400 KT per year of high density, multimodal polyethylene based on LyondellBasell’s latest-generation Hostalen ACP process
• 400K KT per year of low density polyethylene based on LyondellBasell’s Lupotech T technology
• 1000 KT per year of ethylene
• 285 KT per year of propylene

“Through the combined strengths of both partners, we’ve created a world-class manufacturing complex with highly competitive feedstock and operating costs in close proximity to our target markets,” said Saleh Al-Nazha, President of SEPC. “By using the most advanced PE technologies available in the market, we can manufacture specialty and high-performance products but within a cost structure that can take into account the financial pressures and cyclicality of a commodity market.”

“This complex is an important part of our strategy to grow and diversify our feedstock base, which will help us to meet the needs of our customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East region,” explained Manuel Fraga, LyondellBasell’s Divisional Vice President for Operations in the Africa and Middle East Region.

Latest state-of-the-art PE technologies
The two polyethylene plants are the largest of their kind in the world, and demonstrate the technology leadership of LyondellBasell as polyolefins licensor. 

The Hostalen ACP unit for multimodal HDPE addresses customer needs that are beyond the limits of standard bi-modal HDPE, producing resins with an advanced toughness/stiffness balance, superior impact resistance, higher stress crack resistance and significantly improved processing advantages. The process enables producers to create resins that meet demanding requirements for major HDPE applications ranging from thin-wall packaging to crack-resistant pipe. 

The LDPE plant is based on the leading high-pressure tubular reactor process, Lupotech T. The technology offers attractive economics and world-scale capabilities, and has become the benchmark in LDPE manufacturing by providing the lowest operating costs currently in the market, while producing high-performance resins. Additional features of Lupotech T technology include fast start up and grade changes, as well as a high on-stream factor, making it today’s technology of choice for the production of LDPE and EVA copolymers.

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world’s largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including biofuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by Access Industries.

Light My Fire Introduces New Spork Made with Eastman Tritan™ Copolyester

New-generation Copolyester Offers Functional and Processing Advantages

April 29, 2009 - Kingsport, Tenn. - Eastman Chemical Company announced today that Light My Fire, a Sweden-based maker of outdoor accessories, has introduced a new Spork product line in its U.S. and Canadian markets. The product line is made with Eastman Tritan™, a new-generation copolyester that balances the properties of easy processing, clarity, dishwasher durability, toughness, and heat and chemical resistance.

“In an effort to help meet consumer demand, we wanted a material for our new product line that provided high-quality durability and innovative design,” said Calill Odqvist, chief executive officer of Light My Fire. “By incorporating Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, we were able to maintain our product quality standards and utilize an easy-to-process material.”

Light My Fire chose Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for its remarkable color quality, design flexibility and high-heat resistance and because it is manufactured without bisphenol-A (BPA). Tritan is more flexible and molded more efficiently than polycarbonate, resulting in less post-processed waste. Tritan offers ease of processing, resulting in low residual stress. This enables the production of high-quality parts, which can maintain a fluid and simple design.

“Adding Eastman Tritan™ copolyester to our product line allowed us to meet consumer demand for BPA-free materials while also maintaining our innovative design, which is very important to us,” Odqvist said. “The material works well with our self-coloring process and offers a strong, attractive product.”

The Spork, a spoon-fork-knife combo, allows users to enjoy the comforts of home while on the go, and is perfect for backpacks, picnic baskets, lunchboxes, purses and briefcases. Designed especially for Light My Fire by Scandinavian designer Joachim Nordwall, the Spork comes in 24 colors and three sizes.

For more information about Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, visit www.eastman.com/tritan.
For more information about Light My Fire, visit www.lightmyfire.com.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers; and produces PET polymers for packaging. As a Responsible Care® company, Eastman is committed to achieving the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and security performance. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2008 sales of $6.7 billion and approximately 10,200 employees.

For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com or contact Lucy Stewart, global trade media relations, at +1-423-229-4229 or globalmediarelations@eastman.com.

Frigel and Superior Mold Partner to Create Energy Savings and Process Improvements

April 29, 2009 - East Dundee, Ill. – Frigel North America recently installed its intelligent process cooling Ecodry System for customer, Superior Mold of Ontario, Cal. The system is projected to reduce Superior’s water usage by 90 percent and energy usage by 60 percent. The energy savings was audited and verified by a third-party energy consultant resulting in a 30 percent rebate check for the cost of the system from the State of California.

Superior Mold is a high tech precision custom molder specializing in medical and other tight tolerance parts. The company faced excessive energy usage from its central chiller and continued maintenance and dirty water headaches from its cooling tower. In seeking a better solution, the energy audit made it clear that Frigel’s Ecodry was the smart choice, for cleaner water and the bottom line.

“At Frigel, we’re committed to providing our customers, such as Superior, with the latest in intelligent cooling systems that positively impact the bottom line and the environment,” said Steve Petrakis, president of Frigel North America. “Its high-quality design makes processes run with more precision and provides a competitive edge.”

The Ecodry system is not only ideal for Superior Mold because of the state energy saving incentive program, but also because of Ontario’s challenging climate or clean water management. The Santa Ana winds blow in sand from the desert, leaving traditional cooling tower water dirty and requiring constant maintenance. With smaller labor forces and tighter budgets, avoiding unnecessary maintenance is a smart business decision.

“The system allows us to circulate clean water to our molding machines with no chemical treatment – a big requirement for our Class 100,000 clean room,” said Tony Codet, president of Superior Mold. “This also plays part in our commitment to Six Sigma and meeting our ambitious process improvement goals.”

Superior Mold’s energy consultant is available to assist with energy audits and rebate applications for manufacturers in California interested in installing an Ecodry system, contact Frigel for more information on this opportunity. Many states have similar programs companies can apply for and consultants who can help in the process.

About Frigel
Frigel has been a worldwide market leader in intelligent process cooling since the 1960s. Foremost among Frigel’s products is Ecodry, a unique, closed-loop intelligent cooling system that’s been proven at more than 5,500 manufacturing installations worldwide. The Ecodry system dramatically reduces water usage and keeps cooling water clean, providing companies an environmentally-friendly cooling solution. Coupled with the break through, cycle time improving Microgel, the result is substantial savings on water, chemicals, energy and maintenance. The Ecodry system gives users the power to outperform. Visit www.frigel.com/na to learn more.          

About Superior Mold
For 33 years, Superior Mold Co. has been designing and building Precision Custom plastic injection molds and molding customer parts. Often utilizing engineered resins, they mold for medical, automotive, electrical, electronic and dairy industries. As an ISO certified supplier with a Class 100,000 clean room and a Device Manufacturing License from the State of California, Superior is positioned to meet the needs of most medical device manufacturers and suppliers. Visit www.superior-mold.com to learn more.

Elastocon Offers New Brochure on Advanced TPE Technologies for all Application Needs

April 29, 2009 - ROCHESTER, IL - Elastocon TPE Technologies, Inc., has published a brand new brochure.  The company is the only phthalate and latex free thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) producer to offer a full line of custom and standard SEBS and non-SEBS series of TPEs as well as TPOs (thermoplastic olefins) and machine-side compounding solutions.

The new literature is loaded with end-use-product application photos.  The brochure presents information on how the Elastocon line of TPEs are phthalate and latex free (making the material a great PVC alternative), offer improved processing speeds, provide less scrap and can actually reduce material usage to give processors more value per pound.   All grades are formulated with advanced TPE technologies.

Elastocon TPEs, as presented in the literature, can provide grades that are FDA compliant, UL and NSF approvable, and medical grades, plus ISO reporting, manufacturing and shipping.  Same day shipping is available on most programs; 4 weeks or less on custom orders.

At the present time, Elastocon offers the 2800, 8000, STK and CLR Series of TPEs, as well as TPOs (thermoplastic olefins) a new clear series of TPEs and alloys, all of which can be injection molded, extruded, thermoformed, blow molded or compounded.  Elastocon thermoplastic elastomers do not require drying and are offered for applications that require rubber-like properties, impact resistance, colorability, a good surface finish, easy proccessability, reduced material usage and numerous other features and benefits.  All Elastocon TPE grades are free from latex, and are RoHS and California Proposition 65 compliant, as well as UL and NSF approvable, and are suitable for medical applications.  Elastocon can provide ISO reporting for manufacturing and shipping.  All grades are reclaimable and recyclable.

For a copy of the new brochure, contact:  Literature Fulfillment Dept., Elastocon TPE Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 463, Rochester, IL 62563.  Tel:  888-644-8732.  E-mail: sales@elastocon.net.  Web: www.elastocontpe.com.

Coiled Garden Hose Industry Makes Comeback by Returning to Material Basics

Leading American Manufacturer of Eco-Friendly, Drinking Water Safe Coiled Garden Hose Insists on Quality Elastollan® Polyurethanes from BASF Corporation and Machined Brass Fittings.  Has Sales Growth To Prove It.

McMINNVILLE, OR - April 29, 2009 – Once upon a time, when quality coiled garden hoses were the rage with American consumers, new and established manufacturers, as well as retailers saw an opportunity to make even greater profits.

How?  By cutting corners in manufacturing, having them produced overseas and using less expensive materials. Polyether-based TPUs are the key ingredients for consistent coil rebounding.  However, manufacturers began: 1) substituting a lower quality polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane than that originally supplied by BASF Corporation  2) mixing substitute polyurethane blends with other, less expensive polymers or polyester-based polyurethanes, 3) substituting spun brass fittings for industrial-grade machined brass fittings, and 4) either eliminating or downgrading hose strain reliefs at either end of the hose.

The result of these moves in the late 1990’s and into early 2002?  Sales dropped as consumers by the droves found that lesser quality coiled hoses were failing in one or more ways: kinking, cracking, leaking, prematurely wearing, knotting or otherwise performing less than expected.

Jeffrey Thomas, one of the innovators of quality coiled hoses, saw this happen and left the industry, only to return several years later with a new company.  Today, sales of coiled garden hoses from Water Right, Inc., based in McMinnville, OR, are testimony that American technology using quality materials remains popular among consumers.  

Because of Thomas’ proprietary plastics extrusion manufacturing techniques and use of BASF Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethanes, his product’s price is not only highly competitive, but his hoses are offered through leading U.S. outlets like Frontgate, Gardener’s Supply, Solutions, Nature’s Tapestry, QVC and top retailers.

Water Right, Inc. has now become America’s leading manufacturer of eco-friendly, people-friendly, and pet-friendly drinking water safe “green” coiled garden hoses.   Further, the hoses, using FDA grade and NSF grades of polyurethane that leach no lead or harmful plasticizers as do most other hoses, they are completely drinking water safe.  The special grade of BASF Elastollan® polyurethane is also completely recyclable and can be reprocessed up to 20 times, according to Water Right officials.

Benefits to Consumers
According to Thomas at Water Right, “We use premium materials to make and offer great products.  Our hoses call for a BASF Elastollan® polyether-based, not a polyester-based, thermoplastic polyurethane that ensures good coil rebounding, a high level of abrasion resistance, great flexibility, and of course, easy processing.  We are quick to point out that not all coiled hoses are the same – our retailers, as well as our growing base of customers, have come to realize this.  Our 50’ hoses (capable of 400 psi of pressure) weigh less than 3 lbs. to offer an alternative to heavy straight hoses, making them suited for patio, driveway and container watering applications; they retract to 36” or less, so they are compact; and they last anywhere between 5 and 10 years, with the norm being 10 years of life. 

Additionally, notes Thomas, “The manufacturing process we use ‘reverses’ the coil to ensure the hose retracts better.  We use machined, solid brass fittings that eliminate leaking and bad threading.  Coil hose “tails” are 12 long to ease installation and minimize kinking; and we provide specially engineered strain reliefs on both hose ends to prevent hose kink at the faucet or nozzle end. Our long-standing relationship with BASF Corporation technicians at their headquarters in Wyandotte, MI, has enabled us to continually offer improved products with the features and benefits consumers want most.

For more information on coiled hoses and other products, contact:  Water Right, Inc., 925 North East 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128.  Tel: 971-241-1228.  Fax: 503-472-8819.  E-mail:  info@waterrightinc.com.  Web: www.waterrightinc.com.

For more product information on polyether and polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethanes, contact:  Marketing Department, BASF Corporation Polyurethanes, 1609 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, MI 48192. Telephone: 800-892-3111, Ext. 21. E-mail: TPU_TechDesk@basf.com.   Web: www.elastollan.com.

New Bayer MaterialScience LLC brochure shines a light on innovative materials for burgeoning LED market

Polycarbonate resins play key role in demanding, high-brightness LED applications

April 28, 2009 - Pittsburgh, PA - Bayer MaterialScience LLC, a leading LED (light emitting diode) materials supplier, has published an eye-catching brochure that features the company’s materials solutions for LED applications. The brochure highlights the advantages of Bayer MaterialScience’s materials for LEDs and includes information on new grades of polycarbonate and polycarbonate blend resins designed especially for this burgeoning market. These materials have been optimized for use in LED optics, covers, lenses, reflectors, housings and enclosures.

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular because of the many cost-effective and energy-efficient advantages they offer over incandescent bulbs. In addition to their low energy consumption, LEDs offer an average lifecycle of 50,000 hours, which translates into low maintenance and replacement costs. Furthermore, LEDs generate minimal heat, reducing unwanted heating of interior space, and their precise directional focus reduces light pollution.

“LED lighting is nearly everywhere – in commercial, industrial and residential applications. Bayer MaterialScience is proud to be a leader in this emerging area, offering a portfolio of innovative polycarbonate resins specifically engineered for LED lighting,” said John Skabardonis, polycarbonates marketing manager for North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “We developed our LED brochure so that designers and engineers can easily recognize how our materials meet the unique challenges of their applications.” 

Bayer MaterialScience’s LED brochure highlights its polycarbonate and polycarbonate blend resins’ features for LED applications, such as higher light transmission, improved luminous flux and flame resistance. In addition to pointing out specific applications like lenses/covers, housings and enclosures, and thin-wall applications, the brochure also highlights materials for highly reflective surfaces, materials containing post-consumer recycled content and bio-content resins, among others.

“Customers looking for a plastics solution for their LED application can be confident that Bayer MaterialScience has the right materials for their needs,” said Gerry DiBattista, market segment leader Electrical/Electronics, IT, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

For a copy of the brochure, please call 1-800-662-2927 or visit www.bayermaterialscienceNAFTA.com.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2008 sales of 9.7 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries.

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2008 net sales of approximately 8 billion euros (about $12 billion) and employed 17,000 at year end. Bayer’s three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.  For more information, go to www.bayerus.com.

Moplen PP copolymer receives certification from the Association of the German Automotive Industry for collapsible boxes

April 28, 2009 - ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Moplen EP340M, a resin produced by LyondellBasell Industries, has become one of the first polypropylene products to receive certification from the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) for the production of collapsible pallet boxes used in automotive manufacturing. A heterophasic polypropylene copolymer regularly used by converters of small crates and large collapsible boxes, Moplen EP340M has now met the requirements of the automotive industry by providing excellent resistance to low and high temperatures and good impact performance for boxes used in this demanding manufacturing environment. 

New standard for automotive manufacturing
Used as a carrier for large automotive components, the boxes were developed by VDA experts together with the box manufacturers to optimize manufacturing chain logistics, including the reuse of the polypropylene boxes.

“We are proud that our Moplen EP340M polypropylene grade is now recommended by the VDA for collapsible boxes,” said Helmut Gersema, LyondellBasell’s Application Development Manager. “By using the VDA 4520 recommendation, car manufacturers can easily select, together with their suppliers, an effective material to produce the boxes.”

To date, the majority of carriers have been produced using traditional products such as wood and steel.  Boxes made from polypropylene have proven to be more suitable for automotive manufacturing due to the weight and handling advantages they offer. “Large boxes produced by the German manufacturer Georg Utz, at 1200 mm long and 1000 mm wide, will be the new standard, similar to the small stacking box system already in use by the automotive sector,” explained Gersema.

Demanding dynamics testing
With a ductile brittle temperature of -55°C  C combined with a high heat deflection temperature of 80°C, pallet boxes produced using Moplen EP340M fulfill a wide range of requirements, including high impact resistance.

The VDA 4520 recommendation for collapsible pallet boxes for the automotive industry stipulates the geometric requirements and testing necessary for approval, such as a dynamic vibration test which must be conducted by an independent institute. The test simulates the vibration caused by a truck during transportation. Described by the ASTM 4728, several frequencies, amplitudes and accelerations are forced onto the box while loaded with 500 kg at room temperature, at +40°C and at – 15°C.

Other tests include the definition of the breaking load at room temperature, at +50°C and at -15°C. As a maximum load of up to 2800 kg can be expected on the lower box, the breaking load has to be even higher than 3 times the weight.  Horizontal impact must be tested to simulate collisions by forklifts; several drop tests of a loaded carrier are conducted to complete the mechanical testing.

According to Gersema, the collapsible pallet boxes produced using Moplen EP340M have met all of these rigorous testing requirements. “With the VDA recommendation, we anticipate that automotive manufacturers will significantly increase their use of collapsible pallet boxes.”

Philips & DSM Announce Breakthrough Sustainable Solution for Heat Management

New DSM Stanyl^® thermally conductive materials replace aluminum housing in Philips MASTER LED MR16 retrofit lamp

EVANSVILLE, IN.   - - Philips, the world’s leading producer of energy-efficient lighting solutions, has introduced a new LED lamp with a difference. Based on a joint development with DSM, the Philips MASTER LED MR16 retrofit lamp is the first high-power LED application in which the aluminum cover is replaced with a thermally conductive plastic – Stanyl^® – to control the heat. Stanyl also offers the additional benefits of flexibility in design, exceptional durability, and weight reduction. Going forward, this sustainable solution may be applied across Philips’ LED retrofit lamp range.

Sustainable lamp, quality light
The Philips MASTER LED MR16 is a 4W LED replacement for the popular low-voltage halogen spot lamp. With light output equivalent to that of 20W Halogen MR16 lamps, it offers the key benefits of up to 80% energy saving and a 40-times longer lifetime. MASTER LED MR 16 employs three Philips Lumileds Luxeon Rebel LEDs and is available in both 2700K (true warm white) and 3000K (warm white) colors. Its target markets are the professional (hospitality) segments in Europe, Asia and North America.

Design flexibility a distinguishing factor
Philips wanted to create a new product that would stand out in the marketplace. To this end, it was looking for a material that would deliver superior heat management while at the same time offering greater design flexibility and the same or improved product performance. Guido van Tartwijk, Global Marketing Director, LED Retrofit Lamps for Philips, says:  “DSM Engineering Plastics provided all the necessary support by making a product with the required thermal conductivity to successfully dissipate the heat generated by the LED. Because DSM and Philips share a vision of sustainability, we are able to ensure that the new material provides a green solution – helping us to create lightweight, highly efficient LED lamps that reduce electricity consumption and offer extended lifecycles.”

Roelof Westerbeek, President DSM Engineering Plastics: “We have been involved in the development of this new application from an early stage. We were able to prove that for applications such as these, thermally conductive Stanyl is better than aluminum if applied in the right conditions and design. In addition, you gain the benefits of thermoplastics, such as greater design freedom, outstanding durability and weight reduction.”

Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of  “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment, and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics, with a permanent focus on innovation. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl^® ForTii^TM. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers Living Solutions: materials that support a durable vision of people, planet and profit for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. DSM Engineering Plastics offers a broad portfolio of high performance materials, including Akulon^® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel^® TPC, Arnite^® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar^® polycarbonate, Yparex^® extrudable adhesive resins and Stanyl^® global market leader in high heat polyamides. DSM Engineering Plastics is part of the performance materials cluster of DSM, with sales in 2008 of EUR 761 million and 1500 employees worldwide.   More on: www.dsmep.com

Akulon^®, Arnite^®, Arnitel^®, Stanyl^®, Stanyl^® ForTii^TM, Xantar^® and Yparex^® are registered trademarks of Royal DSM N.V.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com

Sylvin Introduces Compounds to Comply with Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) Regulations

Denver, PA - April 15, 2009 - Sylvin Technologies Inc., a custom vinyl compound manufacturer has introduced a series of compounds that comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations that went into effect on February 10, 2009.  The CPSIA regulation permanently bans the use of three phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DBP, BBP) and temporarily bans the use of three others (DINP, DIDP, DnOP) in toys and child care products.

The Sylvin 2920 series complies with the CPSIA regulations and also utilizes ingredients that are sanctioned for use by the FDA.  Compounds in this series are clear and can be custom colored.  Material is available in hardness from 55 to 90 Shore A durometer.

About Sylvin Technologies, Inc.
Celebrating more than 30 years of meeting and exceeding customer’s expectations, Sylvin Technologies is a leading manufacturer of flexible to semi-rigid vinyl and vinyl alloy compounds. Sylvin offers a full line of standard and custom formulations for a variety of applications including toys, food processing and packaging.