EVANSVILLE, IN - January 2, 2008 - DSM Engineering Plastics launches Arnitel® XG, a zero halogen flame retardant product, for cable insulation in consumer electronics. This innovative Arnitel solution meets the UL VW1 specification which is the standard widely used by this industry. This product tailors to growing needs in the consumer electronics industry for using materials and technologies that are environmentally safer.

Consumer electronic goods such as mobile phones and computers have a short product life cycle. Obsolete equipment needs to be recycled. Copper from cables or chargers are reclaimed during recycling, while insulation materials are often incinerated. Commonly used PVC for insulation can cause formation of dioxins during incineration, which are carcinogenic and can enter the food chain.

Over the last few years, non-governmental environment agencies have been monitoring electronics companies on their progress towards making products more environmentally friendly. The use of PVC for insulation has been one of the key concerns raised for the negative impact on the environment.

According to Fredric Petit, Global Business Manager Arnitel for DSM Engineering Plastics, “The market has been searching for a halogen free solution for cable insulations. Arnitel XG provides the industry with that solution. It fully meets the inflammability criteria set for cables; it can be recycled safely and is resistant to household cleaning substances. Arnitel’s excellent feel and touch, and excellent colorability, offer possibilities to enhance aesthetics for greater consumer appeal.”

The development of Arnitel XG is in line with DSM’s sustainability policy (People, Planet, Profit) which states that DSM sets out to use energy and raw materials efficiently in order to reduce the environmental impact of its activities and to improve the eco-efficiency of its products and processes on an ongoing basis.

About DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group in DSM’s Performance Materials cluster, with sales in 2006 of EUR 1005 million (which number includes the sales of DSM Dyneema) and approximately 1300 employees worldwide. It is one of the world's leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics offering a broad portfolio of high performance products including Stanyl® PA 46 and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® polycarbonate and Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. With Stanyl®, DSM Engineering Plastics is the global market leader in high heat polyamides. Akulon®, Arnite®, Arnitel®, Stanyl®, Xantar® and Yparex® are registered trademarks of DSM Engineering Plastics. Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademarks and applications owned by Royal DSM N.V. To learn more please visit www.dsmep.com

About DSM
DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company’s specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. To learn more please visit www.dsm.com