CHICAGO – As consumers increasingly look for products that protect the environment, manufacturers are demanding new materials that incorporate renewable resources. At NPE 2009, PolyOne’s GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers business is responding to that demand by introducing VERSAFLEX™ BIO TPEs for injection molding. VERSAFLEX BIO TPEs are formulated with up to 70 percent renewable resources, compared to typical compounds that use a maximum of 15 or 20 percent. These translucent grades, available in a range of Shore A hardnesses, will be on display at PolyOne’s booth W113021 at NPE 2009.

"Our new VERSAFLEX BIO portfolio is a significant addition to the PolyOne Sustainable Solutions portfolio," said Walter Ripple, general manager, GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers. "These TPEs break new ground with an exceptionally high level of renewable content, offering designers and manufacturers new options for creating products that reduce environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious consumers."

The VERSAFLEX BIO family of TPEs compares favorably to typical styrenic-based TPEs and is available with bio-content levels ranging from 63 to 70 percent and hardness levels ranging from 40 to 70 Shore A.

Technologies based on sustainable raw materials are part of PolyOne’s multi-pronged sustainable solutions initiative, in which development efforts are aimed at effective polymer solutions that help customers meet the growing demand for environmental stewardship.

VERSAFLEX BIO compounds provide value-creating product and service solutions by helping customers satisfy environmental goals, including regulatory standards governed by REACH, RoHS, ELV, and WEEE, as well as future directives.

About GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers

GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, acquired by PolyOne in January 2008, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Please visit our Web site at www.glstpes.com for additional information on GLS Thermoplastics Elastomers.

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.

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