Europe Puts Dow Polyurethane to the Test

United Kingdom - March 13, 2006

European carpet producers can now take products from The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") for a test drive. By signing up for the Dow demonstration multi-component mixing machine, any carpet producer in Europe can experience firsthand the manufacture of Dow polyurethane backings. When a Dow polyurethane backing is added to broadloom, tile or even artificial turf, the result is high performance, durability and style. Dow polyurethane systems offer carpet producers a multitude of benefits including: speed of production, low coating weight, improved dimensional stability and better physical properties of the product.

Manufactured by Hansa Industrie-Mixer, the mixing machine can be used on the manufacturer's own coating line on free trial basis and can later be purchased direct from the supplier. Before the machine is taken to a manufacturer for demonstration, a trial will take place in the lab using the manufacturer's carpet. Parameters will be determined and saved, so when the machine arrives at the manufacturer it is ready for use.

The equipment is simple to operate, allowing manufacturers to easily apply both the polyurethane pre-coat and the cushion. By acquiring this mixing machine, manufacturers can improve the quality of their carpet, without needing to build additional manufacturing facilities.

While it does require an upfront capital investment, the polyurethane process offers energy savings and the potential for increased operating capacity, resulting in overall increased operating efficiency. In addition, polyurethane cures quickly, thereby increasing the manufacturer's production capacity. While polyurethane requires more control and care in the mixing process, the extra control means polyurethane is simple to apply to the carpet, makes little mess, and is easy to keep clean.

"This demo program allows carpet producers to experiment with producing a high quality carpet, without the risk and expense of purchasing a mixing machine first," said Peter Mackey, European Business Development Manager for PU Flooring. "We want Europe to experience all the benefits Dow polyurethane backing has to offer - from increased operating efficiency to an end-product with excellent performance and longevity."

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow


For Editorial Information:

Peter Mackey
PU Floorings Europe
44 8707 106 857

Janet Hansen
Polyurethane Floor Coverings
1 800 735 3129

Shawn Zwilling
The Branding Firm, Inc.
1 706 812 1824