Huntsman leads through innovation

Footwear companies looking for innovative products for their new collections should head straight for the Huntsman stand (Hall 35 / Stand B1) at the Simac footwear exhibition in Bologna, Italy.

Huntsman Polyurethanes is a world leader in the application of MDI-based technology for footwear applications, with an un-paralleled range of products.  New developments on show this year will include the latest developments in low density midsoles for safety boots meeting CEN specifications.  Utilizing market proven SUPRASEC prepolymer technology, this two-component system provides easy processing on all conventional production, enabling manufacturers to offer high quality, lighter weight products to their customers.

In addition, recent improvements to the already established fully water-blown polyether soling range will be un-veiled.  In light of future changes to European legislation on the use of ozone depleting blowing agents, this extended range allows manufacturers to take the ultimate step and eliminate them completely.

As in previous years, Huntsman will also be at Lineapelle (Hall 21 / Stand A47) showcasing recent developments in the smartLite® range of high quality, light-weight thermoplastic soling solutions.  Created for the top end of the footwear market, smartLite offers footwear brands a unique combination of good-looking, comfortable soling with outstanding wear performance. Advances towards softer materials along with impressive slip resistance testing results, will also be presented.

April 26 -29 2005     
Hall 35 Stand B1
Simac
Bologna, Italy
       
CONTACTS:Rachel Leigh/Lynda Heath 
Ash Communications
London, UK, (44) 20 7734 5666
rachel@ashcommunications.com

April 26-28 2005
Hall 21 Stand A47
Lineapelle
Bologna, Italy

CONTACTS: Craig Roberts/Tania Van Buyten
Huntsman Polyurethanes
Everberg, Belgium, (32) 2 758 9874
footwear@huntsman.com

Editor’s notes

Huntsman Polyurethanes, an international business unit of Huntsman International LLC, 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 in one or more, but not all, countries

For more information go to www.huntsman.com/pu

For more information or to arrange an interview with a representative from the Huntsman Polyurethanes team please contact:
Tania Van Buyten at Huntsman Polyurethanes by telephone on +32 2 758 9874 or by e-mail at footwear@huntsman.com


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.