Barcelona, Spain – December 3, 2008 – Merquinsa announces today the development of the world first ether-based Bio TPU grades at the Bioplastics Awards Conference (Munich, Dec. 3rd & 4th).

This new plant-based development is the last addition to the growing range of Merquinsa´s Bio TPU for “Green” injection moulding, extrusion and adhesive applications.

These new Bio TPU grades will be marketed under the Pearlthane® ECO brand with a renewable content up to 60 % according to ASTM D6866, and will offer an alternative to petroleum-based TPU and TPE, with excellent mechanical properties, abrasion, scratch resistance, processability and Recyclability.

A preliminary life cycle analysis (LCA) indicates that manufacturing Pearlthane® ECO results in 40 % less global warming emissions.

About Merquinsa
Merquinsa is a leading thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) specialty producer, providing innovative products for injection molding, extrusion, calendering, melt coating, compounding and adhesives applications.

Merquinsa’s headquarters are in Barcelona, Spain with regional centers in North America and in Asia.

For more information about Merquinsa, and PEARLBOND®, PEARLCOAT®, PEARLSTICK®, and PEARLTHANE® Specialty TPU resins, please visit our Web site at www.merquinsa.com.