23 Jul 2010

DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS DEMONSTRATES SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP WITH CRADLE-TO-CRADLE CERTIFICATION OF FIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

DSM Engineering Plastics today announces that five of its performance materials have been awarded Cradle to Cradle® certification by the internationally renowned sustainable design firm, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC)

The Cradle to Cradle concept, developed by Mr. William McDonough and Prof Michael Braungart, aims to eliminate waste entirely by circulating safe and healthful materials within closed loop systems of continuous reuse.

The materials have been evaluated by EPEA Hamburg, the consultancy firm of Michael Braungart. This evaluation focuses on the product ingredients’ human and environmental health attributes and their potential to safely cycle in closed loops. These are;

• Akulon K224-G6 a 30% glass filled polyamide 6 resin

• Arnitel EM400 an unfilled thermoplastic copolyester resin

• Arnitel XG an unfilled halogen free flame retardant

thermoplastic copolyester resin

• Arnite T-XG510 a halogen free flame retardant PBT resin

• EcoPaXX UF an unfilled 70% bio-based polyamide 4.10 resin

All five materials are used in a variety of industrial applications, including furniture, automotive and consumer electronics and were awarded Silver certification. The Gold certification can be rewarded when also renewable energy and recycled content are used.

Mr. Braungart commented: “EPEA welcomes this certification of DSM products. This is a big opportunity for building cooperations with other important players in the Cradle to Cradle community.”

“DSM has been leading the way in terms of sustainability for many years and I am delighted that our efforts are now also recognised with this official endorsement, said Fredric Petit, Director Sustainability, DSM Engineering Plastics. “For us at DSM, we recognize the growing importance in the market for recycling with the ultimate goal to achieve closed loop systems. “

“Sustainability is the leading paradigm in DSM’s innovation portfolio. Our involvement with the Cradle to Cradle movement is just another example of the importance we place on making sure the products we make, while possessing excellent functionality and performance characteristics, are also respectful of the human and natural environment,” said Theo Jongeling, Business Manager C2C Solutions, DSM Innovation Center. ’The certification of these five materials is a first milestone in serving downstream interests in C2C products.

DSM’s commitment to Cradle to Cradle is expected to develop further over time. The company intends to attain certification for more materials within its portfolio and work closely with other stakeholders in its value chains to pursue further Cradle to Cradle opportunities.

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 one of the world's leading suppliers of quality engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These markets are served with a broad portfolio of high performance materials including Akulon® and Novamid® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46 polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTii™ and has expanded her portfolio with two bio-based, high performance engineering plastics, EcoPaXX™ and Arnitel® Eco. DSM Engineering Plastics had sales in 2009 of EUR 648 million and employs some 1600 people worldwide More on: www.dsmep.com.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic performance, environmental quality and social responsibility, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

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Akulon®, Arnite®, Arnitel®, EcoPaxx™, Stanyl®, Stanyl® ForTii™, Novamid® and Yparex® are registered trademarks of Royal DSM N.V.