PolyOne and Merquinsa Develop World’s First Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant TPU Compound Based on Natural Renewable Sources for Wire and Cable Applications

CHICAGO – June 23, 2009 – Merquinsa and PolyOne today announce the development of the world’s first halogen-free flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane compounds based on natural renewable sources.

Jointly developed by PolyOne and Merquinsa, this new family of compounds is based on Merquinsa’s Pearlthane® ECO technology, a polyether polyurethane based on natural renewable sources, which was recently awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Green Excellence of the Year Award.

Marketed globally by PolyOne as part of the OnFlexTM family of thermoplastic elastomers, these materials are scheduled for commercial launch shortly after the conclusion of NPE 2009.

This new class of compounds achieves halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) properties that meet essential specifications for both indoor and outdoor wire and cable sheathing applications while satisfying global demand for sustainable, eco-conscious solutions that do not compromise performance and regulatory requirements.

Among the environmental benefits offered by this new technology are:
• A 50% minimum content based on natural renewable sources in the polyurethane resin (as certified by ASTM D 6866)
• 100% recyclable

In addition, the performance benefits provided by these compounds include:
• Halogen-free flame retardance
• Low smoke generation
• Low temperature flexibility
• Good abrasion resistance
• Hydrolytic stability and fungus resistance
• Excellent surface finish and colorability

This development is another example of PolyOne’s commitment to helping its customers succeed with solutions that address marketplace demands for environmental and regulatory performance, including standards governed by REACH, RoHS, ELV, WEE and other directives.

PolyOne is exhibiting at NPE 2009 in booth W113021 and Merquinsa in booth W131043.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with 2008 annual revenues of $2.7 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the world. For additional information on PolyOne, visit our Web site at www.polyone.com.

About Merquinsa

Merquinsa is a leading thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) specialty producer, providing innovative products for injection molding, extrusion, calendering, melt coating, compounding and adhesive applications.Merquinsa was recently granted the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Global Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) Product Innovation Green Excellence of the Year Award. This award recognizes Merquinsa´s innovation in biopolymers, with its groundbreaking Bio TPU made from renewable carbon resources and successfully marketed globally under Pearlthane® and Pearlbond® ECO brands.

Merquinsa’s headquarters are in Barcelona, Spain with regional centres in Asia and North America. For more information about Merquinsa, and PEARLTHANE®, PEARLCOAT®, PEARLBOND®, PEARLSTICK® and DISPERBOND® specialty TPU resins, please visit our Web site at www.merquinsa.com or call at + 34 93 572 11 00.