Huntsman spotlight on Smartlite® launch at ECS

European Coatings Show, 26-28 April 2005, Nürnberg, Germany
Huntsman Stand 419 / Hall 4

Elastomer experts at Huntsman Polyurethanes today announce the extension of the smartLite® range of high-performance thermoplastic materials.

Firmly established as the leading polyurethane-based elastomer solution for the footwear industry, smartLite® technology has been successfully re-engineered to enhance the all-round performance of applications in new markets including flooring, roofing, cabling, healthcare and automotive design.

Employing a new generation of low-density thermoplastic polyurethanes, smartLite® has a range of processing and application advantages. It is up to 40 per cent lighter than rubber yet can improve the flexibility, durability, soft-touch and grip of high performance elastomeric products.

Suitable for injection moulding, smartLite® can be combined with other materials and does not normally require the use of primers or post-treatments. smartLite®  is also recyclable which means that prototyping samples, product waste and sub-standard mouldings can be re-granulated and used again in virgin material – reducing costs without affecting final quality.

Explaining the reasons for launching smartLite® to a wider market, Bart Van Edom, product manager for smartLite® at Huntsman Polyurethanes’ Adhesives, Coatings and Elastomers (ACE) division said, “smartLite® has made tremendous strides in the footwear industry and is regularly used by global brands including Camper, Testoni, Mephisto, Camel, Louis Vuitton, Cesare Paciotti and Ecco to enhance the overall performance and longevity of footwear designs. It is a unique material that can add significant value for designers and manufacturers who want to improve existing product performance capabilities, enter new markets and differentiate themselves in increasingly competitive markets.”

He continued, “With a proven track record in improving lightness, performance and aesthetics, we aim to build on the successes of smartLite® and roll-out the technology across a broad spectrum of sectors.”

smartLite® will be officially unveiled at the European Coatings Show in Nürnberg, Germany on 27 April. For more information go to www.huntsman.com/pu or contact Ilse Vanden Brande, marketing assistant, T: +32 2758 9420 or E: ilse_vanden_brande@huntsman.com

Huntsman Polyurethanes is a world leader in the field of MDI technology with an unparalleled range of products. It produces chemicals and systems for customers in the construction, refrigeration insulation, packaging, automotive seating and interiors, furniture, footwear, composite wood products, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and adhesives, coatings and elastomers (ACE) markets.

smartLite® is a registered trademark of Huntsman International LLC

Editor’s note
Huntsman Polyurethanes is a business division of Huntsman Corporation. Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of commodity and differentiated chemicals. The world's most significant industries rely on Huntsman operating companies to develop basic products for a variety of markets and end-use applications. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging, and later, rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has revenues of $11.5 billion, 11,300 employees and 62 operations in 22 countries.

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Press office details
For more information or to arrange an interview with a representative from Huntsman Polyurethanes, please contact: Natalie Yates / Becky Lamont / Kerris Macauley at Ware Anthony Rust by telephone on +44 (0) 1223 566212 / +44 (0) 7714 766106 or by email at natalie.yates@war.uk.combecky.lamont@war.uk.comkerris.macauley@war.uk.co