TECHNOLOGISCHER DURCHBRUCH SENKT PRODUKTIONSKOSTEN FÜR „GRÜNE“ REIFEN UND MACHT DAS AUTOFAHREN UMWELTFREUNDLICHER UND SICHERER

Dow CorningBrüssel, Belgien (7 April, 2004) – Angesichts der deutlich wachsenden Nachfrage der Konsumenten nach höherer Verkehrssicherheit, verbesserter Treibstoffeffizienz und geringerer Umweltbelastung bemühen sich Reifenhersteller seit längerem kostengünstigere Lösungen zu finden. Obwohl „grüne“ Reifen bereits seit den frühen neunziger Jahren entwickelt werden, konnten sie sich bis heute nicht in vollem Maße durchsetzen, da die Produktionskosten zu hoch waren. Ein technologischer Durchbruch der Dow Corning Corporation könnte hier die Lösung sein und den Beginn einer neuen Ära mit einem größeren Angebot an sichereren und umweltfreundlicheren „grünen“ Autoreifen einläuten.

Case Logic introduces NCR and KCR range of updated computer cases

Case Logic KCR5 With an established reputation for providing world-class notebook carrying and storage solutions that economize on space, optimize travel convenience and offer maximum protection, Case Logic has updated its proprietary range of nylon and koskin computer and accessory cases. Case Logic’s new NCR and KCR ranges, part of the company’s Mobile Travelling programme, with improved features as well as a new and stylish look, replace the current NC and KNC product lines.

GE ADVANCED MATERIALS LAUNCHES ULTEM® GF ATX RESIN FAMILY AS AN ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVE TO GLASS FILLED PEI

GE PlasticsBERGEN OP ZOOM, The Netherlands — GE Advanced Materials, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), has announced the extension of its ATX series of unfilled polyetherimide/polyestercarbonate ULTEM® resin blends. The series now includes glass-filled offerings that may provide a cost-competitive alternative to glass-filled PEI and high performance semi-crystalline materials. This resin family has design applicability for a broad range of electronics, telecommunications, and automotive components that require high flow and impact performance combined with the potential for substantially lower cost than glass-filled PEI.

XYLEX™ RESIN FROM GE ADVANCED MATERIALS FINDING INCREASED USE IN POOL AND SPA FILTERS, LIGHTING

XYLEX™ X8210 and X8300 resins, two new polycarbonate/polyester alloys from GE Advanced Materials, are finding increased use in a range of important pool and spa applications, such as this pool cleaner from Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla. The resins are proving to be a great option for cleaner housings, light lenses, spa remote controls, pump covers, designer caps, filter parts, and control panels due to the properties they offer. These include excellent transparency, impact strength, weathering performance, and resistance to pool and spa chemicals, as well as superb gloss retention and UV resistance. Both the resin grades are commercially available worldwide. BERGEN OP ZOOM, The Netherlands — GE Advanced Materials, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is seeing increased validation and use of its XYLEX™ X8210 and X8300 polycarbonate/polyester alloys for a variety of pool and spa applications. These resin grades are proving to be a great option for pool and spa accessories due to the materials’ transparency, good impact strength, weathering performance, and resistance to chemicals like Baquacil® and BaquaSpa® water conditioners, bromine, and chlorine. Both the XYLEX X8210 and X8300 resins are commercially available worldwide.

Borealis continues to improve its financial performance in first quarter 2004

BorealisFollowing a positive fourth quarter 2003 result, Borealis continued to improve in the first quarter of 2004, reporting an operating profit of EUR 56 million. This compared favourably to last year’s first quarter operating loss of EUR 12 million, which had been adversely impacted by a EUR 17 million restructuring charge. Net profit after tax grew to EUR 38 million.

GREAT LAKES INCREASES PRICES OF ALL BROMINE AND PHOSPHORUS SPECIALTY CHEMICALS

Great LakesINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA—Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK) today announced it will increase prices worldwide by up to 20 percent for all bromine and phosphorus based specialty chemicals within its Polymer Additives division, with the exception of phosphite antioxidants, effective for shipments May 24, 2004, or as contracts allow. These price increases are in addition to all other increases previously announced.

Paul Symmons Assumes Key Strategic Operations Role for Univar Europe

Paul Symmons assumes key strategic operations role for Univar Europe Paul Symmons has been appointed European Operations Director for Univar Europe as Univar strengthens its approach to pan European business opportunities and efficiency gains. Paul brings cross sector experience to Univar's European business processes and supply chain management techniques. He has spent 4 years managing the UK Chemicals business for Univar including a supply chain redesign and the successful migration of the former UK Ellis and Everard business into Univar Ltd, creating an enlarged business with the strongest specialty and industrial chemicals offering in the market.

AGRIPLAST MEETS LARGE PRODUCTION CHALLENGES WITH ECO-BROM® MULTI-LAYER FILMS CO-EXTRUDED WITH DSM AKULON® XP

AGRIPLAST MEETS LARGE PRODUCTION CHALLENGES WITH ECO-BROM® MULTI-LAYER FILMS CO-EXTRUDED WITH DSM AKULON XP
 AGRIPLAST (Vittoria, Italy) turned to DSM Engineering Plastics for a solution to a multi-faceted challenge. AGRIPLAST needed an agricultural plastic film that was strong enough to resist puncture by stones and stubble, wide enough for the most intensive mechanized farming, and impermeable to methyl bromide or alternate soil sterilization and fumigation gases.