The Dow Chemical Company Introduces Biobalance* Polymers

Dalton, Georgia - May 31, 2002 The Dow Chemical Company announced today the availability of BIOBALANCE* polymers for use in the carpet industry.  The new soybean based technology replaces a portion of the system required to make polyurethane carpet backings, thereby reducing the dependency on petroleum-based products, while supporting the agricultural community.  BIOBALANCE polymers have been developed in response to market demand for a sustainable resource for the production of high performance backings.

According to Scott Lowrie, Business Manager for Dow’s Floor Coverings Business, “Our cushioned backings already contribute to the sustainability of flooring products by extending their service life.  This new technology provides the carpet industry with a renewable resource alternative.”  He adds, “We are excited to be working with Universal Textile Technologies (UTT) in the launch of this new technology.”  BIOBALANCE polymers are now available in all polyurethane non-cushioned and cushioned backings manufactured by UTT.

For over 20 years, Dow has supplied the carpet industry with polyurethane technology used in producing high performance backings that are recognized for their cushioning benefits, functional liquid barriers, and overall structural integrity.Sold under the label of THE ENHANCER* carpet backing, these products have become the specifier’s choice for use in high traffic commercial applications including the corporate, healthcare and educational markets.

Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets.  With annual sales of $28 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others.  Committed to the principles of Sustainable Development, Dow and its approximately 50,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.

For further information, visit Dow’s website at www.dowcarpetbackings.com or www.biobalancepolymers.com.