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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPI GROUP TO WORK WITH EPA ON RESEARCH PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, DC (April 14, 2003) - The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) today announced that its Fluoropolymers Manufacturers Group will work closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in implementing a multi-year agreement for further research on uses and potential exposures of a key chemical used in making fluoropolymers.

The chemical, ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO), is essential in making certain fluoropolymers, which, in turn, are used in many high-performance applications in critical industries such as defense, aerospace, semiconductors, telecommunications and pollution control. About 95 percent of fluoropolymers are used in these types of industrial uses. The other 5 percent are used to make consumer products such as non-stick cookware and weather- and chemical-protective fabrics.

As a result of industry research that discovered trace levels of the chemical in random blood samples of the U.S. population, industry representatives reached agreement with the EPA on additional research to be undertaken and committed to significant reductions in emissions and ongoing product stewardship efforts, among other voluntary efforts.

Industry's plans were detailed in a series of "letters of intent" outlining different facets of the research and other initiatives to be undertaken, which will eventually result in an enforceable consent agreement with the EPA.

"This has been a good process, with an outcome that will assure continued protection of human health and the environment without disrupting the supply of essential materials and causing undue adverse impact on an industry that is of vital importance to the U.S. economy," said SPI President Donald K. Duncan.

Duncan paid tribute to the high quality of the scientific discussion that preceded today's announcement by the EPA and the Agency's commitment to understanding the complex manufacturing processes involved.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism of the EPA officials and scientists who are working with us on this complicated matter," he said. "On behalf of the SPI members involved, I have assured the Agency of our full commitment and cooperation as we move forward."

Duncan noted that government and industry scientists were in general agreement that the extensive research conducted on APFO over several decades did not indicate any unreasonable risk.

"Essentially, this is a product that has been used in commerce for more than 50 years without any evidence of adverse effects on human health or the environment," Duncan said. "We anticipate the additional research will reaffirm its safety."

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,300 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.5 million workers and provides more than $330 billion in annual shipments. For more information, visit the Web at www.plasticsindustry.org.

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