ICIS Launches Chemical Industry Innovation Awards for 2010

LONDON, April 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

- Welcomes U.S Chemicals as new Sponsor

ICIS (http://www.icis.com ), the trusted information provider for the global chemical and energy industries, today calls for entries for its seventh annual ICIS Innovation Awards (http://www.icis.com/awards ), designed to recognise outstanding technological and business innovation in the chemical industry.

Dow Corning (http://www.dowcorning.com ) is the overall lead sponsor for the Awards, as it has been from their inception in 2004.

CRA International (http://www.crai.com/chemicals ) returns as the sponsor of the Best Product Innovation category.

And ICIS welcomes U.S. Chemicals (http://www.uschemicals.com ) as sponsor of the Innovation with Best Environmental Benefit category.

The awards enable companies to celebrate their success in the vital activity of innovation. There are five categories to enter:

    - Best Product Innovation - sponsored by CRA International
    - Best Innovation by a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)
    - Best Business Innovation
    - Best Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility
    - Innovation with the Best Environmental Benefit - sponsored by U.S.
      Chemicals

"The global economic challenges of the early 21st century will breed a new era of innovation," says Dr Gregg Zank, senior vice president and chief technology officer of Dow Corning Corporation.

"We expect that much of that innovation will come from the chemical industry, helping to create a more environmentally sustainable world while offering practical solutions to challenges in developing regions and for underserved populations."

Dr Neil Checker, vice president and head of the European & Middle East region for chemicals at CRA International, adds: "We find it encouraging that the chemical industry has continued its investment in technology and innovation, despite the fact that this has been one of the deepest downturns that the industry has faced."

Carol Piccaro, president and CEO of U.S Chemicals, comments: "In the global market where we all compete, both internal and external pressures require all of us to do things differently, more efficiently with greater efficacy. In the end, these innovations will ultimately be sustainable if they benefit our environment."

John Baker, global editor at ICIS, notes that: "The Innovation Awards continue to grow and gain industry support. We have added a new sponsor and new category this year and look forward to being able to highlight the very best of innovation in the industry later in the year."

The Awards are open to entry from today, with a deadline for entries of 5 July 2010. The winners will be announced on 11 October.

For more information or to enter the awards, visit http://www.icis.com/awards or call John Baker on +44(0)20-8652-3153.

Notes to Editors:

ICIS

ICIS, the trusted information provider for the chemical and energy industries, is part of Reed Business Information (RBI), a division of Reed Business and a member of Reed Elsevier plc (525), (UK:REL) (US:RUK) (NL:45443), the world's leading publisher and information provider. For more information on ICIS visit http://www.icis.com

RBI publishes over 100 market leading publications, directories and online services, and organises many industry conferences and awards. For a full listing visit http://www.reedbusiness.co.uk

About Dow Corning Corporation

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands.

Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the US.

About CRA International (CRA)

CRA is a global consulting firm specialising in litigation, regulatory and financial consulting, and management consulting. CRA guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues and advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Our Chemicals Practice applies keen insight and rich experience across the industry, from upstream petrochemicals and polymers to downstream specialty chemicals and materials. We specialise in strategy, technology management, M&A, performance improvement and organisation restructuring.

About U.S. Chemicals LLC

U.S. Chemicals, LLC, is a 50-year-old worldwide specialty chemical distributor serving the textiles, paint, flame retardants, plastic, cosmetic, personal care, food and pharmaceutical industries. A woman-owned business based in New Canaan, Connecticut, US, U.S. Chemicals actively supports environmentally responsible manufacturers and distributors of chemical products and services.

    For further information please contact:

    John Baker
    ICIS
    Tel: +44(0)20-8652-3153
    Email: [email protected]
    Web site: http://www.icis.com

    Carol Piccaro
    U.S. Chemicals LLC
    Tel: +1-203-966-8777
    Email: [email protected]
    Web site: http://www.uschemicals.com

    Jarrod Erpelding
    Dow Corning
    Tel: +1-989-496-1582
    Email: [email protected]
    Web site: http://www.dowchemical.com

    Dr Neil Checker
    CRA International
    Tel: +44(0)20-7959-1582
    Email: [email protected]
    Web site: http://www.crai.com/chemicals

SOURCE ICIS