22 Sept 2003

AKULON® XP PA6 FOR FILM APPLICATIONS OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTIVITY GAINS, REDUCED COSTS

DSM Engineering Plastics has released Akulon® XP, a new revolutionary barrier resin based on polyamide 6 (PA6), for multi-layer oxygen barrier films. The new material differs from normal Polyamide 6 resins through its exceptional processing characteristics that allow dramatic productivity gains to be realized.

Akulon XP brings substantial gains in production line efficiencies and broadens the processing window on any multi-layer extrusion line. The resulting film has the same barrier quality as was previously produced and, in terms of consistency, yields a better product. Higher throughputs on existing production lines not only lowers costs but allows business to grow further with existing facilities before additional capital expenditure is required.

Akulon XP also enables layer gauge distribution to become independent of die design, so that a single line set up can be used for a variety of film constructions. Specific examples of benefits realized by Akulon XP are reduced system costs, better control of layer thickness permitting thinner barrier and tie layers, reduced motor power needs on the barrier layer extruder, reduced waste through an even layer distribution and reduced neck-in.

Every type of film-forming technology benefits from the enhanced properties of Akulon XP. Cast film made with Akulon XP exhibits more uniform layer distribution than that made with conventional materials. Paper coating benefits from higher speeds, increased web stability and reduced neck-in. Blown film similarly benefits from better web stability, as well as the option of using thinner layers, even for tear-resistant applications. Akulon XP meets U.S. FDA standards for food contact.

Akulon XP is the leading product in DSM's comprehensive portfolio of products for film producers.

Other products include:

• Yparex adhesive resins, including types tailored for optimum performance with Akulon XP

• Standard Akulon Polyamide 6 film resins with a wide range of viscosities

Together, these products enable DSM to offer comprehensive solutions to nylon barrier problems.

Reader enquiries

DSM Engineering Materials
30 Pasir Panjang Road #13-31
Mapletree Business City
Singapore 117440
Singapore

Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM’s Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl® PA46 and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® Polycarbonate and PC-blends, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan® UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. The business group had annual sales of EUR 579 million in 2002. DSM Engineering Plastics has a market share of about 5% in the world market. With Stanyl®, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

DSM N.V.

DSM is active worldwide in life science products, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The group has annual sales (pro forma including the recently acquired

DNP business) of around EUR 8 billion and employs about 25,500 people across the world. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company’s strategic aim is to grow its sales – partly through acquisitions – to a level of approximately EUR 10 billion by 2005. By that time specialties, i.e. advanced chemical and biotechnological products for the life science industry and performance materials should generate at least 80% of sales. This strategy represents a continuation of the company’s ongoing transformation and oncentration on global leadership positions in high-added-value activities characterized by high growth and more stable profit levels. More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.