Ashland Distribution selected by NatureWorks LLC to distribute Ingeo* biopolymer in Asian region

Ashland Distribution selected by NatureWorks LLC to distribute Ingeo* biopolymer in Asian region

SHANGHAI – Ashland Distribution, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), announces it is now able to provide its customers in China, Hong Kong and India a new bio-based polymer solution – Ingeo* biopolymer, a 100-percent annually renewable material made from plants, by NatureWorks LLC. Ashland Distribution is featuring this low-carbon-footprint biopolymer at the Chinaplas 2010 expo, April 19-22.

Ingeo biopolymers are in such commercial applications as consumer goods, electronics, packaging and consumer disposable items. “With this agreement Ashland can now provide customers with additional options to meet an expanding demand for environmentally sustainable materials,” said Buu Han, Ashland Distribution, China.

Dan Sawyer, managing director for Asia Pacific, NatureWorks LLC, said, “This agreement signals NatureWorks’ long-term commitment to broadening the supply of Ingeo biopolymer to the plastics processors in China. NatureWorks and Ashland are ready to support the growing market for Ingeo biopolymer and meet the sustainability objectives of the brands and retailers.”

Market research shows that bio-based plastics is an emerging market in China, and this agreement enables customers to benefit from the innovations from NatureWorks and the depth of Ashland’s global reach. “We are able to provide a truly bio-based solution to the China market, and we have the technical expertise to support our customers,” added Han. People interested in learning more about Ashland and the Ingeo biopolymers should contact Gem Liu, national sales manager, at xiang_gem_liu@ashland.com.

NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low-carbon-footprint biopolymers derived from 100-percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. The production of these biopolymers uses less fossil fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional polymers. The company applies its proprietary technology to process natural plant sugars to make Ingeo biopolymer, which is used uniquely to make and market finished products under the Ingeo brand name. NatureWorks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cargill in the United States. For more information, visit www.natureworksllc.com. Ingeo, ingenious materials made from plants, not oil.

Ashland Distribution is a leading plastics and chemicals distributor in North America. A commercial unit of Ashland Inc., it distributes chemicals, plastics and composite raw materials in North America, as well as plastics in Europe and China. Ashland Distribution also provides environmental services in North America, including hazardous and nonhazardous waste collection, recovery, recycling and disposal services.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world's most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

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