Dow Rolls Out Polyurethane Backings in Europe

United Kingdom - January 13, 2006, European carpet just got better - thanks to innovative technology from The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”). Dow announces the launch of its polyurethane carpet backing in the European market. Carpet mills in Europe can now offer their customers the best in performance, durability and style by using Dow polyurethane systems for their carpet backings.

For more than 30 years, Dow has delivered innovative polyurethane carpet backing products to the North American market. DOW™ ENHANCER™ and ENFORCER™ carpet backings provide commercial broadloom and tile carpet with superior stability, enduring look and long life. The company’s polyurethane backing systems can also be applied to synthetic turf, allowing for improved safety, comfort and durability. When compared to latex backing traditionally used in Europe, Dow polyurethane products offer carpet mills a multitude of benefits, including: speed of production, low coating weight, and improved dimensional stability and physical properties of the product.

“This is the perfect time to introduce Dow polyurethane carpet backings to the European market,” said Peter Mackey, European Business Development Manager for PU Flooring. “With the growth in recent years in Europe’s carpet industry and the desire for improved quality, we knew the market was ready for a better carpet backing product. Over the years, Dow has perfected its polyurethane formulating capabilities, resulting in a much more efficient manufacturing process for the mills and a superior product for the end-customer.”

European carpet mills can test Dow polyurethane products for one week using a free “demo” multi-component machine directly on their own coating line, which later can be purchased direct from the supplier. Although the acquisition of the coating machine will require upfront capital investment, mills will realize a savings in energy and operating capacity, translating to increased operating efficiency.

For more information on polyurethane carpet backing from The Dow Chemical Company, please visit us in hall 6, stand F46 at Domotex in Hanover, Germany, Jan. 14-17 or, visit us online at www.dowcarpetbackingseurope.com.

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. 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

Contact Information

Peter Mackey

PU Floorings Europe

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