A. Schulman Introduces Invision(R) 3570 Enhanced Polyolefin Resins for High-Gloss Applications and Impact Resistance

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM) today announced the introduction of Invision® 3570 enhanced polyolefin resin for high-gloss sheet and thermoforming applications.

Invision 3570 resin is a high-clarity, high-gloss, non-stress whitening olefin capstock material, which can be directly co-extruded onto polyethylene resins, such as high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE).  Invision color technology, combined with the high-clarity capstock resin, allows the co-extruded sheet to match the appearance of painted plastics, for a cost-effective decorative and durable thermoformed product.  It enhances the appearance and performance of HMWPE polyethylene resins at a lower cost and lighter weight than extrusion capped acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheet or acrylic and fluoroacrylic laminated sheet.

"Invision 3570 as a capstock resin broadens the application of HMWPE sheet to effectively compete with higher-cost co-extruded or laminated sheet options for decorative and durable thermoformed parts," said Dennis Smith, Director of New Business Applications for A. Schulman.  "The versatility of Invision resins enables them to provide many benefits in performance and appearance for sheet, profile and thermoforming processes.  These resins are noted for their extreme clarity and durable surface, enabling a paint-like surface finish without the operational challenges of painting."

In addition to the high-gloss and color performance, Invision 3570 resins' durability and light weight are significant advantages for customers in markets ranging from heavy truck to marine, power sports and recreational and agricultural vehicles.

Invision 3570's features and benefits include:

• High gloss, with a minimum rating of 75 in the 60 degree Gardner Gloss test (which is approximately four times higher than HMWPE alone)
• Low temperature ductility, ductile to -40 degrees C
• Weight reduction of approximately 10 to 20 percent, compared with ABS and TPO products – which translates into lower cost and wider application possibilities

"We're pleased with the customer response to our Invision family of enhanced polyolefin resins," said Paul Boulier, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of A. Schulman.  "Numerous new applications for durable goods are being driven by the strength and appearance of these co-extruded sheet resins due to their ability to replace painted metals and plastics (reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions), recyclability and weight savings."

Invision resins can be categorized within the TPO family of polymers.  Extruded products made with Invision resins may consist of smooth or textured surfaces, in low or high gloss, and in mono and multilayer sheet structures.  For more information about Invision resins, visit http://www.invisionsheet.com.

About A. Schulman, Inc.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins.  These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications.  The Company employs about 2,100 people and has 16 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.  Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009, were $1.3 billion.  Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.