Press Release

Kraton Polymers Opens New Doors for TPE-S Compounds in High Temperature Applications

HOUSTON, Texas – December 17, 2007 – Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton) a leading global engineered polymer company, announces the commercialization of Kraton G1633® polymer and the creation of new opportunities for TPE-S (styrenic thermoplastic elastomer) compounds in high temperature, high performance applications.
 
Kraton research has developed a new solution that allows customers to match or outperform the performance of TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) material when using Kraton G1633 with the right combination of Polyolefin blends.

The innovation allows the automotive, medical, construction and heavy-industrial sectors to achieve best in class performances and long term durability combined with high quality aesthetics and lighter weight. Kraton G1633 improves the compression set and stress relaxation of TPE-S compounds at temperatures over 70 degrees Celsius. It allows the production of TPE-S compounds with a broad hardness range, excellent oil extendibility, very good processability in both extruded and injection molded applications, recyclability and extensive bonding possibilities when compared to alternative material solutions.

Kevin M. Fogarty, Executive VP Kraton Polymers, comments: “Kraton G1633 polymer provides a good example of how Kraton Polymers focuses its innovation on advancing application possibilities for customers. Its excellent combination of physical, hardness and processing properties makes it the ideal solution for maximising the performance of TPE-S compounds when high temperature performance is required. The recent success of TPE-S for weatherseals in the European automotive sector demonstrates the potential of TPE-S compounds to the worldwide industry.”

Kraton G1633 is acceptable for use under FDA and European regulations for direct food contact applications, and meets requirements under the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Class VI Biological Reactivity Tests.

For more information on Kraton G1633 polymers visit our website at www.Kraton.com or for direct enquiries customers should contact their sales representative or Kraton market development manager, for Europe Emmanuel.Colchen@kraton.com, for US Bing.Yang@kraton.com, for Asia Norio.masuko@kraton.com

About Kraton

Kraton is a leading global engineered polymer company and, we believe, the world’s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us over forty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous 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 adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing, 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, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Brazil, and Japan.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and “Giving Innovators their Edge” tagline are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” which are statements other than statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “intends,” “plans” or “anticipates,” or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update such information.