FISHERMEN FIND NEW WAYS TO BOOST CATCHES AND PROFITS USING ULTRA-STRONG, LIGHTWEIGHT DYNEEMA® FIBER

URMOND (NL), 17 October 2007 - Building on years of dedication to helping the commercial fishing industry solve its challenges, DSM Dyneema today reconfirmed its commitment toward enabling fishermen to increase catches and profits. By choosing netting and rope made with ultra-strong, lightweight Dyneema® polyethylene fiber instead of steel wire and traditional synthetics, fishermen can reel in a wide array of operational and cost benefits: Fuel savings due to reduced net weight and drag; easier and more precise handling/placement of nets; ability to fish in rougher waters due to strength and durability of nets and lines; and longer useful life of this gear.

Dyneema® fiber is exceptionally strong for its weight, enabling fishermen to use nets with thinner twines and ropes that are less bulky without sacrificing performance. Lighter weight helps reduce the burden on fishing vessels, leading to lower fuel costs. Smaller-diameter twines can significantly reduce drag, which can help lower fuel consumption by up to 30%.

For ropes, Dyneema® fibers are used in bridles, Gilson lines, rib lines and warp lines, where they significantly reduce weight. Fishermen in Iceland are using warps made with Dyneema® fiber, which are in water only 2% to 3% the weight of steel wire rope with the same diameter. These warps are not only much easier to handle, but their lighter weight also enables faster boat speed and greater stability by reducing the load.

Another cost advantage of nets and ropes made with Dyneema® fiber is durability. The fiber’s superior resistance to abrasion, most chemicals and sea water means gear typically exceeds the lifespan of traditional materials by a factor up to three. Also, nets and lines made with Dyneema® are easier to handle and position with accuracy. The material’s low elongation and non-absorption of water helps nets retain mesh stability.

André van Wageningen, Market Segment Manager Commercial Fishing for DSM Dyneema, said, “Today’s rising fuel costs and changing climate conditions are tremendous challenges for fishermen. Dyneema® fiber offers help with these challenges. Its high performance, light weight and great strength can enable fishermen to travel farther and enhance accuracy of net and line placement, while increasing fuel economy and operational efficiency.”

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.fishingmadebetter.com.

About DSM

DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.

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