ESPN Invites Dow Corning to Showcase Future Protective Material at Pre-Super Bowl NEXT Event


MIAMI, Jan. 29 // -- Dow Corning Corporation has been invited to showcase the Dow Corning(R) Active Protection System, a new impact protection material, at ESPN the Magazine's NEXT event prior to the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida. Dow Corning Active Protection System is a "smart" fabric treated with a specially formulated silicone coating which offers a new option for protective sports equipment.

ESPN the Magazine's NEXT event is a pre-Super Bowl extravaganza encompassing two square blocks and featuring more than 3,000 of the sports industry's biggest VIPs and trendsetters - team owners, athletes, celebrities, coaches, and top consumer goods executives. The event takes place Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, in Miami's Design District and features cutting edge products in the world of sports, from fashion to technology.

The Dow Corning Active Protection System fabric remains soft and flexible under normal conditions. But when struck by high-impact force, the material instantly becomes rigid to help protect the wearer against injury. When the impact is over, the material immediately becomes flexible again.

Because it is a fabric, the Dow Corning Active Protection System is breathable and flexible for outstanding comfort and freedom of movement. It can be stitched directly into garments, making it less likely to shift or move under impact like rigid padding can. In addition, it is less bulky than many padding technologies available today, allowing for many creative and fashionable design possibilities.

"For years, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts have sought high-performance sports apparel and equipment that will protect them against high-energy impacts without sacrificing flexibility, breathability, or ease of use," says Nigel Ryan, program manager for Dow Corning Active Protection System. "Being invited by ESPN the Magazine to feature this innovative material is a testament to the potential for this material, and we're excited to talk about how the fabric can be used in the sporting world."

In October 2006, Rukka, a Finland-based manufacturer of sports apparel, launched the first commercially available product to use Active Protection System fabric - a motorcycle riding suit. Many other U.S. and European sports apparel and equipment producers are currently evaluating the use of the Active Protection System as well.

"The Dow Corning Active Protection System fabric is the most effective and versatile personal impact protection technology available today. The possible applications go far beyond sports and are virtually unlimited," says Ryan.

To learn more, visit www.activeprotectionsystem.com.

Dow Corning Corporation (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance- enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

Source: Dow Corning Corporation

CONTACT: Jarrod Erpelding of Dow Corning Corporation, +1-989-496-1582, or Jarrod.Erpelding@dowcorning.com

Web site: http://www.dowcorning.com/
http://www.activeprotectionsystem.com/

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