A. Schulman and SOLVAY SOLEXIS signed a European Distribution Partnership

A. SCHULMAN, global manufacturer and distributor of engineering compounds, thermoplastic elastomers, masterbatches and standard thermoplastics and SOLVAY SOLEXIS Melt Processable Fluoropolymers signed an agreement, effective November 1st, 2009, for the European distribution of the Fluoropolymers SOLEF® PVDF, HYLAR® PVDF, HALAR® ECTFE and HYFLON® PFA/MFA®.

Applications and markets for these product lines include the field of Electrics and Electronics, where the inherent flameretardant properties of the resins and the beneficial dielectric constant and dielectric strength seem to call for the SOLVAY SOLEXIS materials. Food processing equipment, medical equipment and some industrial applications stand to benefit from the purity of the compounds, allowing contact with sensitive media without risk of contamination.

The inherent chemical resistance makes these resins the right choice for many parts that are exposed to aggressive chemicals and harsh environments. Cables in offshore applications and water ducts for high temperature or highpurity water are among the current applications.

With this new distribution line, A. SCHULMAN complements their range of highperformance polymers, while SOLVAY SOLEXIS will benefit from A. SCHULMAN's structure of largescale markets and customers.

Solvay Solexis (www.solvaysolexis.com), an international fluorospecialties producer, offers a full range of highvalue products for the most advanced markets as Semiconductors & Electronics, Surface Treatment, Building & Architecture, Wire & Cables, Automotive & Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Batteries, Fuel Cells, etc. The company is actively committed to growing its worldwide position as the leader of innovative fluorinated products maintaining sound environmental and social responsible practices. Solvay Solexis is headquartered in Bollate, Italy. It employs approximately 1,400 people and operates worldwide through commercial sites in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. The company is a member of the Solvay Group, a global leader in chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals with more than 400 business units in over 50 countries.