2 Apr 2009

RHODIA AND MILLET TARGET A GLOBAL COOPERATION FOR RECYCLING OF POLYAMIDE

Lyon, France – 02 April 2009 – Rhodia and Millet announced their intention to develop “closed-loop” recycling flows for polyamide. The two companies have launched an initial project aimed at recycling used mountain climbing rope into engineering plastic materials for the manufacture of mountain sports equipment.

Rhodia’s objective is to develop “closed-loops” for end-of-life polyamide and expand the development of its 4earth^TM range of recycled polyamide.

“This project is an excellent illustration of Rhodia’s environmental commitment, which includes a focus on developing "closed-loop" partnerships with key players in polyamide markets. Rhodia’s intent is to support its customers in their eco-design strategies based on the increased use of high-performance recycled materials from sustainable, ecologically responsible channels,” according to Richard Bourdon, who is responsible for the development of recycling at Rhodia Polyamide. “Other similar projects are already in preparation with the goal of extending the concept to all markets in which we operate. We designed the 4earth^TM brand to serve as a true benchmark for recycled polyamides; in addition to providing all the quality and secure-supply guarantees expected by our customers, it will have tangible, quantifiable environmental benefits.”

Millet’s objective is to secure and expand its approach to eco-design. Working with a leading polyamide expert, such as Rhodia, will provide access to its specialized expertise and its global industrial recycling network.

“The technical quality of our products is an everyday concern for us. Without sacrificing product performance, we would like to significantly increase the percentage of recycled materials that go into our products; this will enable us to enhance our products’ image and bring our personal aspirations somewhat closer into line with our concern for preserving the majestic mountain environment for future generations of mountain sport enthusiasts. Our partnership with Rhodia will enable us to accelerate this process,” affirms Laurent Bouvet, Millet’s manager for rope products. He adds: “An analysis of all our product ranges quickly shows that polyamide, in all its various forms, is a basic raw material for Millet and the Lafuma group. The creation of this initial virtuous recycling loop for polyamide based on this source of used mountain rope is perfectly in keeping with the Lafuma group’s longstanding commitment to do more with less (i.e. create more top-quality sustainable products with less environmental impact).”

Reader enquiries

Rhodia Engineering Plastics
Avenue Ramboz
F-69192 Saint-Fons Cedex
France

+33 4 72 89 29 24

jerome.pisani@eu.rhodia.com

www.rhodia.com

Notes for editors

Rhodia Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: a high worldwide competitiveness of intermediates & polymers along with strong development of the industrial footprint in fast growing regions; the strengthening of engineering plastics as a growth engine; and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for expansion beyond our European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers.

For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia.com.

Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 14,500 people worldwide and generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2008. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

Rhodia Way is the framework of commitments in the area of social and environmental responsibility incorporated into the Group’s management processes. It currently includes 21 commitments expressed in a series of 44 good practices. Thanks to a hundred employees responsible for promoting this initiative, Rhodia Way was successfully rolled out worldwide in 2007.

In 2008, Rhodia has been accepted for inclusion in the first front-ranking non-financial global index, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which referenced the nine most efficient chemical companies for their performance in the area of social and environmental responsibility.

For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.

MILLET: MOUNTAIN BY EXPERIENCE

Experience both sporting and technological, has made Millet the French brand of reference in the field of high mountain equipment. 3rd of June 1950: Millet suddenly find itself in the limelight of international mountaineering scene with the ascent of the first 8000 Meters in history: Annapurna (8043 meters-Nepal). Two men made it to the top: Louis Lachenal and Maurice Herzog, friends of the Millet brothers based in Annecy. They had imagined and developed backpacks adapted to mountaineering routes. These revolutionary rucksacks were to help them attain the mythical summit of Annapurna. Practical experience enriching technical experience ... Since then, faithful to this spirit of sharing and listening, Millet has always been surrounded with famous mountaineers. Sportsmen and women deeply involved in the creation and development of new, ever more technical equipment (clothing, backpacks, shoes, ropes) perfectly adapted to the different mountain sports. From this variety of experiences, we draw our strength of innovation, remaining true to our Mountain spirit. www.millet.fr.