Press Release

Kraton Polymers Introduces
Innovative Kraton A Polymers

HOUSTON (June 23, 2003) – Kraton Polymers, the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), has developed Kraton A polymers, an innovative extension of its existing polymer technology. This novel SBC technology builds on Kraton Polymers’ more than 40 years of innovation in elastomeric materials.

“We created Kraton A polymers to answer customers’ processing and design needs,” said Garret A. Davies, vice president of the Americas for Kraton Polymers. “This new technology provides customers with a wider formulating window that gives them the freedom to innovate within their businesses and ultimately may lead to reduced costs in some applications versus silicone rubber and TPUs.”

Kraton A polymers are unique, high-performance elastomers. The extraordinary versatility of Kraton A polymers is due to their distinctive molecular structure, which can be precisely controlled and tailored to perform in specific applications. They also can provide formulation flexibility in commonly used thermoplastic processing technology.

Kraton A polymers can be compounded to produce materials which can improve the strength, elasticity, temperature resistance, softness, appearance, grip and convenience of a diverse range of applications including toys, packaging, automotive, sports, construction and molded and extruded goods.

Kraton A polymers also boast several processing advantages including better flow, improved low-shear processing, better dimensional stability of molded parts and the opportunity for reprocessing. Design advantages include: improved adhesion to polar substrates, better mold definition, improved dimensional stability and a broader range of stiffness.

Numerous patent applications covering Kraton A technology and its various applications and end-uses are pending.

Kraton Polymers will showcase Kraton A technology and its existing line of more than 100 grades of polymers used for a wide spectrum of applications and end uses from packaging and adhesives to roads and footwear during NPE 2003, June 23-27, 2003, booth 12421.

Also during NPE, Dale Handlin, Ph.D., Kraton Polymers senior research chemist, will present “Expanding the Limits of Styrenic Block Copolymers” on June 25, 2-2:30 p.m., McCormick Place, South Building, room 405, as part of the Society of Plastics Engineers NPE conference sessions on new materials.

The Kraton Polymers Group of Companies pioneered the production of styrenic block copolymers in the 1960s and today retains its position as the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of the technology. Manufacturers and formulators around the world use Kratonpolymers in their compounds and applications to add value to their products through improved finish and advanced manufacturing processes.

For more information, e-mail info@Kraton.com or in the United States call toll-free 1-800-4Kraton.

About Kraton

Kraton Polymers LLC is a premier, global specialty chemicals company and is the world’s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by Kraton over forty years ago.  SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which enhance the performance of products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability.  Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications including road and roofing materials, numerous consumer products (e.g., diapers, tool handles and toothbrushes), tapes, labels, medical applications, packaging, automotive and footwear products.  Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability.  Its production facilities are located in the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan.

Polymer Holdings LLC is the parent company of Kraton Polymers LLC and has no material assets other than its investment in Kraton Polymers LLC. 

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

Forward Looking Statements

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