Florence, KY – July 16, 2008 – Ticona Engineering Polymers today announced the addition of two new Riteflex® thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC-ET) grades to its portfolio of XFR™ halogen-free flame retardant polyesters for use in eco-friendly applications.

“Continuing the halogen-free direction Ticona started in thermoplastic polyester (PBT) with Celanex® XFR, we designed our two new Riteflex XFR grades to help customers comply with anticipated hazardous substance restrictions and waste directives,” said Pete Bombik, Polyester Global Business director for Ticona.

Regulations such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) already severely restrict the use of brominated flame retardants (FR) in electrical and electronic applications, a key end-use application for engineering polyesters.

“The plastics industry is evaluating alternate flame-retardant additives for use in electrical and electronic applications that face stringent FR requirements,” said Bombik. “Ticona uses an innovative halogen- and antimony-free flame retardant system in its XFR product line to replace conventional FRs, which actually enhance the performance of the engineering polymers while making them more eco-friendly.”

The two new Riteflex XFR grades — Riteflex XFR 440 (Shore D hardness of 40) and Riteflex XFR 655 (Shore D hardness of 55) — exhibit:

• UL-94 V-0 flame retardance rating at a minimum thickness of 1.5 millimeters for all colors
• Comparative Tracking Index greater than 600 volts
• High tensile elongation properties
• Excellent elastomeric property profile for applications that require enhanced toughness
• Good processability

Ticona first commercialized its Celanex XFR range of non-halogenated FR thermoplastic polyesters in 2006, and was recognized with a Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation Award for its flame retardant system that incorporates inorganic phosphinates as fire retardants. In addition to Celanex XFR PBT, Ticona offers Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) — two families of high-performance polymers that are inherently flame resistant without the use of halogenated flame retardant additives.

Now, with the introduction of the new Riteflex XFR TPC-ET grades, Ticona has a host of alternative engineering polymers that do not posses the controversial halogenated FRs.

About Ticona and Celanese
Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, produces and markets a broad range of high performance products , and achieved net sales of $915 million in 2006. Ticona employs approximately 2,000 individuals at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany and Brazil. For more information, please visit www.ticona.com.

As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $6.7 billion in 2006, with over 60% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 8,900 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company's website at www.celanese.com.