Dow to Showcase Full Portfolio of Trend-Leading Plastics and Performance Chemicals for Nonwoven Products at ANEX 2006

Houston, TX - April 05, 2006, With an eye towards partnering with customers in innovation, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) will present at ANEX 2006 two new polyolefin technologies for enhancing the softness, comfort and fit of nonwoven products, expanding the capabilities of its leading plastics and performance chemicals portfolio for the health and hygiene industry. ANEX is the 3rd Asia Nonwovens Exhibition and Conference which will be held from May 24 to 26 at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan.

In addition, Dow’s booth (#B2004, West Hall) will highlight how its global expertise in materials science is driving the development of innovative solutions to improve the overall performance of hygiene products at lower total costs. With an entire portfolio of plastic and chemical products and related technologies ideally suited and developed for the health and hygiene industry, Dow has for many years been steadily strengthening its position as a technology leader.

“With Dow’s materials science expertise, plastics converters and hygiene brand owners can respond to consumer demands or lead new application trends in health and hygiene related nonwovens,” said Jose Pina, Global Marketing Manager for health and hygiene, The Dow Chemical Company. “The new technologies we will describe at ANEX demonstrate our success and commitment in these applications.”

In one technical presentation, Dow will discuss polyolefin resins for use in monocomponent and bi-component soft spunbond fabrics. These resins exhibit excellent softness and drapeability in spunbond fabrics, and can be customized for either high or low tenacity in hygiene and medical applications.

A second presentation will demonstrate new options for improved tensile, elastic and adhesive properties in hygiene and medical applications. Using Dow’s propylene-ethylene (P/E) and ethylene-octene (E/O) elastomers, particularly in applications where elastomers are combined with nonwovens in multilayer structures, can improve the fit, functionality and comfort of nonwoven products.

Both presentations will be given on May 25. Before using any product from Dow in any medical application, be sure to read the Dow Medical Applications Policy on our web site at www.plastics.dow.com/medical.

“Dow combines technical knowledge that helps converters find the proper gauge and design with industry knowledge of the issues faced by product manufacturers and brand owners,” said Pina. “In our two presentations at ANEX, we are using our industry-leading technical expertise to improve the softness of products for backsheet and top-sheet, and increase elasticity for more comfortable and form fitting products.”

Dow is the leading global supplier of plastics and performance chemicals for the health and hygiene industry, improving comfort and quality of life through innovations in materials science for suppliers and users of diapers, feminine hygiene products, medical disposables, technical nonwovens, wipes and protective garments. Dow’s advanced and comprehensive portfolio includes water vapor permeable and breathable hygiene films that prevent heat build-up and rash; films, foams, and fibers to produce more comfortable and form-fitting products; and lighter and ultra-efficient absorbent cores, such as polymeric absorbent cores.

About The Dow Chemical Company
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.

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Soledad Echagüe

The Dow Chemical Company

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