Midland, MI - April 24, 2007

The Dow Chemical Company has introduced a family of lower-yellow-index Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) elastomers, to be commercialized under the PELLETHANE™ brand, by year-end 2007. These new experimental products offer “best-in- class” color performance, and deliver significant aesthetic, weatherability and processing benefits.

“This new family of elastomers was specifically developed to address market demand for TPU products with a lower yellow index,” says Mike Szabo, Dow’s product director for PELLETHANE™ & ISOPLAST™ thermoplastic polyurethanes.  “The new ‘Low-YI’ products will deliver significant color-related advantages across a wide range of applications.”  Dow will offer both ether and ester grades at various hardness levels.

A combination of clarity, abrasion resistance, tensile strength and chemical resistance – along with excellent processability – has made Dow’s PELLETHANE TPU elastomers, the material of choice for a wide range of demanding applications, including automotive, consumer molded goods, packaging, footwear, and wire and cable.

The “best-in-class” color performance of the new Low-YI elastomers delivers a variety of additional advantages, including:

• Increased color consistency of final fabricated parts;
• Cost savings via reduction in need for UV stabilizers;
• Better weatherability; and
• Improved thermal stability for higher-heat applications as well as those that use regrind.

The new Low-YI TPUs are among many innovative products that underscore Dow’s strategy to strengthen its Performance business portfolio by prioritizing technology and solutions offerings that support high-value, end-use applications.

For more information about PELLETHANE™ TPU elastomers, please visit www.dow.com.

 About The Dow Chemical Company

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For Editorial Information:

Nancy Lamb
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 638-7251

Brian Hall
Gibbs & Soell
(847) 519-9150
bhall@gibbs-soell.com