Rhodia showcases innovations in engineering plastics atPlastimagem,Mexico

--- New launches for the automotive, appliance, industrial and consumer goods markets

--- The highlights are Technylstar® A205F, a new technology developed in Brazil that will help clients save more energy and new range of halogen-free Technyl®, for the photovoltaic industry.

São Paulo, October 4, 2011 - Rhodia, member of Solvay Group, keen to bolster its market share in the supply of engineering plastics made of polyamide 6.6 for the Mexican market, will introduce at Plastimagem 2011 (October 4 to 7, Centro Banamex, Mexico City) a range of innovative products developed at its research centers and with its clients. These innovations are for clients in the automotive, appliance, industrial and consumer goods markets.

“Our intention is to strengthen our partnerships with local clients, helping to expand the engineering plastics sector, offering solutions we have developed in our global laboratories and research centers,” says Marcos Curti, director of Rhodia Engineering Plastics for the Americas.

Growth market – According to Curti, the Mexican market will benefit from the company’s recent decision to unify engineering plastics operations in Latina America and North America. “Besides the industrial base installed in Brazil and the processing agreements in the USA, we will exploit the entire structure available in the region in Research and Development, Technical Services and Marketing, to add ever more value for our clients throughout this geographical zone,” adds Curti.

One of Rhodia Engineering Plastics’ targets is the automotive parts segment, which is going through a period of growth in Mexico. According to the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), automobile production remains high: from January to August 2011 1.68 million automobiles were produced, up 14.8% year on year. “Vehicles are incorporating increasing numbers of pieces and parts made out of polyamide engineering plastics,” says Curti.

Rhodia ambitions for growth in the engineering plastics segment are firmly based on sustainable innovation and its presence in rapidly growing and lucrative markets. The Global Engineering Plastics Business Unit has a strong presence on the worldwide market and is particularly well-positioned in rapidly growing regions: about 38% of its sales are made in Asia, with 18% being made in Latin America.

A World of Solutions with Engineering Plastics from Rhodia

Under the slogan "A World of Solutions,” the company introduces a range of new technology and products the engineering plastics. The new products selected for Plastimagem 2011 include:

--- a new generation of Technyl®Star, called A205F, which will help clients achieve greater productivity and significantly reduce energy cost in their production processes.

--- a new range of Technyl®, free of halogen, for the photovoltaic industry.

TechnylStar A205F – Among the recent innovations developed by the company and which have begun to gain a foothold with global clients of Rhodia’s is TechnylStar A205F,a new technology for polyamide engineering plastic formulations. The innovation was specifically designed for mass production applications that require short injection cycles and complex molds. It is particularly suited to small parts produced in large volumes, including clamps, cable ties, connectors, plugs, and technical valves used by companies in the automotive, appliance, industrial and consumer goods segments.

Compared with traditional polyamides available on the market, TechnylStar A205F provides, in ideal processing conditions, significant energy savings by reducing the processing temperature, resulting in an overall energy saving of up to 20%. In addition, the unequalled fluidity of the product increases injection molding productivity by up to 15% and guarantees a high degree of design freedom, maintaining all the mechanical properties essential for the application.

"This new generation of TechnylStar perfectly illustrates Rhodia’s capacity to develop innovations that preserve non-renewable resources,” says Curti, recalling that the technology was developed by the company’s teams in Brazil, providing a perfect example of the added value introduced by the company’s global presence. "I have no doubt that this new range will be a market reference point, allowing our clients all over the world to take an important step towards reduced energy consumption and increased productivity,” Curti adds.

Flame Retardant Polyamides - At Plastimagem 2011, another of Rhodia’s stand-out products is its new line of halogen-free flame retardant polyamides, Technyl®, for use in the most demanding of photovoltaic component applications. These components have to perform consistently at the highest level, in a wide range of temperatures and meteorological conditions. These products also have to comply with extremely strict safety standards around the world.

The new flame retardant Technyl® line launched by Rhodia provides a solution that sully satisfies the technical, processing, regulatory and cost-performance demands necessary for the manufacture of photovoltaic components. "Technyl® flame retardant polyamides allow companies to produce photovoltaic components on a new industrial scale,” explains Curti.

The flame retardant versions of Technyl® meet UL5VA, UL94 V-0 requirements and also conform to the highly demanding ULF1 weatherability certifications. Technyl A 60G1 V25, designed specifically for junction boxes, has been rated as 5VA and ULF1 at the Underwriters Laboratories. This halogen free product also has UL94 V-0 rating and best in class RTI, electrical and mechanical ageing performance. Technyl® A 50H1 has similar flammability properties whilst also exhibiting excellent processing behavior, proving the ideal solution for thin walled PV connector applications.

Using the power of the sun to create clean electricity is rapidly becoming a viable commercial reality with the continuing improvements in photovoltaic technology. The new flame retardant photovoltaic Technyl® range contributes to the preservation of non-renewable resources, once again demonstrating Rhodia’s commitment to sustainable innovation

Rhodia,member of the Solvay group,is a specialty chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around 11 Global Business Units, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, electronics, flavors and fragrances, health, personal and home care markets, consumer goods and industrial markets. Rhodia employs around 14 000 people worldwide and generated sales of €5.23 billion in 2010.

Press information:

Roberto Custódio - Tel. (55 11) 3284 4322 - roberto@pexpress.com.br

Marcela de Paula - Tel. (55 11) 3284 5164 - marcela@pexpress.com.br