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com Clariant Rothausstrasse 61 CH-4132 Muttenz 1 Switzerland

June 26, 2008

Media Release
Clariant Masterbatches Division

Natural, Renewable Additive Masterbatches Expand Clariants Green Portfolio

Plastics product developers seeking additive masterbatches that are both biodegradable and renewable can now select several different functional ingredients in the new CESA-natur product line from Clariant Masterbatches. CESA-natur additive masterbatches, along with RENOL-natur color masterbatches introduced in 2007, are ideal for use with the environmentally friendly biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) which are becoming popular in green packaging and consumer goods applications. The natural masterbatches also can be formulated for use in conventional polymers as alternatives to non-renewable additives. The new masterbatches including slip/antiblock agents, UV/light stabilizers, antioxidants and antistatic agents feature not only a biopolymer carrier resin, but also naturally occurring substances that are completely renewable, biodegradable and, in most cases, compostable. These products have successfully passed strict screening procedures and are available for immediate use. Clariant Masterbatches is continuing research to expand the range of CESA-natur additive masterbatches. Development and testing is currently under way on natural impact modifiers and metal deactivators for PLA. The companies we are working with today are looking at several different approaches to achieving environmental objectives, explains Hendrik Kammler, Clariant Masterbatches Global Marketing Head of Additive Masterbatches. Clariant can support them with the CESA-natur masterbatches, which can be used in both bio-based polymers like PLA or in conventional synthetic resins. Or, if they need something the natural additives cannot readily provide, we can formulate conventional ingredients in a biopolymer carrier. It is only a question of how green you want to be. CESA-natur slip additive masterbatches perform well in PLA film applications. This newly developed system is based on pure, naturally occurring waxes that give very good slip properties. The coefficient of friction (CoF) in PLA films obtained by using CESA-natur

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slip additive is close to the values achieved with modern synthetic waxes, which are based on petrochemicals. The use of CESA-natur slip appears to have only a marginal influence on transparency. CESA-natur light masterbatches provide light stabilization in both conventional and biopolymers. They can also function as a UV filter to protect the contents of packaging made of bioplastics such as PLA. Like synthetic additives, they are based on aromatic molecules, but the CESA-natur UV masterbatches use naturally occurring ingredients. Carrier resins can include any of the common biopolymers. Processing characteristics are similar to those associated with conventional masterbatches. Strict product safety regulations and screening apply, despite the natural origin of the materials. In the past, the natural compounds chosen for UV protection have been colored and usually show low thermal stability at processing temperatures above 200C. The newest CESAnatur light masterbatches, however, are formulated from light-colored substances that are substantially more heat stable and offer UV protection comparable to conventional synthetic UV absorbers. Other CESA-natur masterbatches currently available include CESA-natur antioxidants, which use natural antioxidants like vitamin E, and CESA-natur antistatic masterbatches, which take advantage of some of the same additives that are commonly used in food products. CONVENTIONAL ADDITIVES AID PROCESSING OF BIOPOLYMERS In addition to the CESA-natur additive masterbatches, which can be used in biopolymers or conventional resins, Clariant Masterbatches has perfected two other masterbatches CESA-extend and HYDROCEROL that dramatically improve the processing and enduse performance of PLA, the most commonly used biopolymer. One factor that has been limiting the acceptance of PLA is its processing instability. It is highly vulnerable to thermal, oxidative and hydrolytic degradation, all of which may occur during processing. The result of these degenerative effects is polymer chain cleavage that, in turn, results in loss of molecular weight and deterioration of rheological properties. CESA-extend, a masterbatch based on a molecule originally developed to re-link polymer chains in degraded condensation polymers like recycled PET, has more recently been

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showing great promise in processing PLA and other biopolymers, including PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) and PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate). Clariant has demonstrated that CESA-extend can significantly improve the melt strength of PLA, allowing for more reliable sheet extrusion and superior bubble formation and stability in blown-film processing. PLA is also finding application in foamed products like grocery-store meat trays, where the biopolymer replaces styrene. HYDROCEROL chemical foaming agent (CFA) masterbatches are being used in PLA foam extrusion and increasingly as a nucleating agent in direct-gas foaming to produce the uniform, fine-celled structure that end-users demand. Adding CESA-extend to the foam, in combination with HYDROCEROL, has been shown to enhance molecular weight and melt-strength characteristics resulting in a more easily controllable process. Both these additives are artificially derived, and so they do not fit the definition of a natural and renewable feedstock, Hendrik Kammler notes. However, they do make it possible to use renewable biopolymers more readily so the environmental benefits outweigh any negative effect. Clariant Masterbatches products are marketed under five global brand names: REMAFIN masterbatches for olefins; RENOL masterbatches for engineering resins, styrenics and PVC; CESA additive masterbatches; HYDROCEROL chemical foaming and nucleating agents; OMNICOLOR universal color masterbatches. These brand names are all registered trademarks of Clariant.

More information on Clariant Masterbatches products is available at www.clariant.masterbatches.com. Contacts: Laurie Reid, Clariant Masterbatches Phone: +1-401-438-4080 Fax: +1-401-438-4680 laurie.reid@clariant.com Scott H. Collins, Collins Marketing Communications Phone: +1- 216-382-8840 Fax: +1-216-382-8850 scollins@collins-marcom.com

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Clariant Exactly your chemistry. Clariant is a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals. Strong business relationships, commitment to outstanding service and wide-ranging application know-how make Clariant a preferred partner for its customers. Clariant, which is represented on five continents with over 100 group companies, employs about 21,000 people. Headquartered in Muttenz near Basel, Switzerland, it generated sales of CHF 8.5 billion in 2007. Clariants businesses are organized in four divisions: Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals; Pigments & Additives; Functional Chemicals; and Masterbatches. Clariant is committed to sustainable growth springing from its own innovative strength. Clariants innovative products play a key role in its customers manufacturing and treatment processes or else add value to their end products. The Companys success is based on the know-how of its people and their ability to identify new customer needs at an early stage and to work together with customers to develop innovative, efficient solutions. www.clariant.com