GREAT LAKES WILL INTRODUCE NEW ADDITIVES AT K2004

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA—Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK) today announced the company will launch the latest additions to its range of flame retardants and polymer stabilizers at the international trade fair for plastics and rubber, K 2004, to be held October 20 – 27, 2004, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Great Lakes is a leading producer of polymer additives with an aggressive commitment to technological innovation and product development. K 2004 will see expansions of each of Great Lakes’ flame retardant families including bromine-, phosphorus-, and antimony-based flame retardants and other synergists, in addition to the launch of new, specialized polymer stabilizer systems incorporating the company’s broad range of UV absorbers, Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS), antioxidants and nucleating / clarifying agents.

Already the largest manufacturer of flame retardants in the world, Great Lakes will extend its portfolio to feature two new flame retardants for use in electrical components such as connectors, relays and switches. Firemaster® BP411, a brominated polystyrene flame retardant additive, and Firemaster® CP-44HF a polybrominated styrene co-polymer, complement the company’s existing, highly successful range of brominated styrene flame retardants for engineering thermoplastic resins. Each product demonstrates unique performance in the areas of thermal stability, flow and blister resistance in thermoplastic polyester and high temperature polyamide applications.

A third new product launch at the show is a halogen-free flame retardant for polyurethane foam. This additive is primarily for use in the automotive industry to help manufacturers meet more demanding emission specifications.

In April 2004 Great Lakes announced the creation of GLCC Laurel LLC, a joint venture between Great Lakes and Laurel Industries Inc. This means that in addition to the existing Great Lakes range of antimony-based flame retardants and synergists, K 2004 will feature the PetCat® line of high quality, performance grade antimony trioxide used as a Catalyst in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Great Lakes already offers one of the world’s most comprehensive portfolios of polymer stabilizers, but the company continues to expand this portfolio with the introduction of new, complementary products. The new range of ClearLite nucleating agents / clarifiers will be highlighted at K 2004. These products increase the overall crystallization rate of semi-crystalline polymers like polypropylene, polyamide and polyester, allowing increased productivity and improved physical properties.

Utilizing their broad portfolio, and the company’s unparalleled expertise in additive performance and blending technology, several innovative, application focused solutions will be launched at K 2004. Examples of these concepts will include Anox® FiberPlus, Anox® CompoundPlus, Anox® ProcessPlus and Anox® RecyclePlus. These customized stabilization systems have been developed to offer optimized performance and cost compared to existing additive systems, in addition to fulfilling unmet industry requirements.

Great Lakes will exhibit in Hall 6, stand E27 at K 2004.

For more information about these product lines, please visit the Great Lakes Polymer Additives web site at www.pa.greatlakes.com.