September 24, 2008 - Paraloid(TM) BPMS 250, when added at levels as low as 2% of sustainable polylactic acid mixtures, increases melt elasticity without affecting clarity of final product. It adds higher melt strength as PLA is processed during film and sheet extrusion, blown film extrusion, or calendering. High molecular weight acrylic additive complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements and EU Directive 2002/72/EC, and also meets food packaging safety regulations.

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Rohm & Haas Co.
100 Independence Mall W.
Philadelphia, PA, 19106 2399, USA

Sept. 16, 2008 16:00 UTC

PHILADELPHIA -- Specialty materials company Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH) today announced that it will showcase a new plastics additive - and reveal details about an upcoming product - at the "Innovation Takes Root" conference hosted by NatureWorks LLC from September 16-18 in Las Vegas. The new additive, Paraloid(TM) BPMS 250 melt strength enhancer, enhances the processing of sustainable polylactic acid (PLA) and its alloys, compostable materials derived from corn and used in clear packaging applications such as thermoform or vacuform disposable, clamshell-type food containers. As it preserves PLA clarity, Paraloid(TM) BPMS 250 is a welcome tool for packaging manufacturers who must meet retailers' increasing demands for attractive, environmentally advanced packaging that draws the consumer's eye.

Typically, PLA demonstrates low melt strength during processing, leading to problems like web sagging and necking that can lower processing speeds. Paraloid BPMS 250 adds higher melt strength as PLA is processed during film and sheet extrusion, blown film extrusion or calendering. The additive enables high line speeds, reduces equipment difficulties and lowers costs. Adding the high molecular weight acrylic Paraloid BPMS 250 at levels as low as just two percent of the mixture increases the melt elasticity of the blend without affecting the clarity of the final product. "We specifically designed this product to be completely miscible for those applications where extremely high clarity is needed," explains Rob Martin, marketing manager, who notes Rohm and Haas's historical leadership in advanced acrylic technology and polymer rheology. Paraloid BPMS 250 also meets strict food packaging safety regulations. The product complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements and EU Directive 2002/72/EC. The new additive builds on the success of Paraloid(TM) BPM 500, an acrylic PLA impact modifier the company introduced in July 2007.

"We're excited about attending this conference and we think others will be, too, when they hear what we have to say," Martin explains, adding that Rohm and Haas is the global leader in processing aids for the plastics industry. "We'll reveal information for the very first time about a new impact modifier we'll be introducing soon."

For more information about Paraloid products for polylactic acid processing, please visit www.rohmhaas.com.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company's technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities(TM)

Contacts

Rohm and Haas Company
Laura Hadden
Director of Communications, Specialty Materials
Telephone: +1 215-592-3054
lhadden@rohmhaas.com

or

Robert C. Martin
Marketing Manager, Plastics Additives, Packaging
and Building Materials
Telephone: +1 215-592-6999
CRobertMartin@rohmhaas.com

Source: Rohm and Haas Company

Contacts: View detailed contact information.