A. Schulman At NPE 2012: The Future Of Paint-Free Surfaces

AKRON, Ohio, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM), a leading global supplier of engineered plastics, masterbatches and specialty powders and distribution services, will be featuring its Polytrope STR™ product portfolio, an innovative resin technology for decorative and durable surface applications, at NPE 2012 in Orlando, Florida, April 1-5 in the South Hall, Booth 15000.  Visitors will learn how the Polytrope STR™ product portfolio can improve both the appearance and physical performance of finished parts.  Samples are available for immediate testing and evaluation.

A. Schulman is pleased to announce that it has been awarded U.S. Patent Number 8,007,902, titled, "Multilayer clear over color polyolefin sheets and layered backing structure."  This patent covers a unique coextruded multilayer product that provides a paint-free plastic sheet structure that may be designed to simulate the appearance of painted metal or plastic.

With this new patented technology, Polytrope STR™ Cap Resins can be easily formulated to match any color and achieve any gloss level, from an ultra low-gloss textured surface to a "painted metal" appearance.  The surfaces are resistant to staining, cracking, peeling, and gravel impact.   These attributes in combination with excellent weatherability make Polytrope STR™ Cap Resins an ideal choice for exterior applications in:

• Agricultural Equipment                  
• Heavy Truck & Bus                       
• Automotive                                    
• RV      
• Watercraft         
• Lawn & Garden            
• Earth Moving Equipment              
• Power Sports      

Depending on the physical property requirements of the application, each cap resin can be coextruded with a Polytrope STR™ TPO ranging in stiffness from 250,000 to 600,000 psi flexural modulus.    

"The flexibility of our resin palette is unique to A. Schulman, and the versatility of Polytrope STR™ resins allows them to be applied in film and sheet, profile extrusion, and thermoforming.  Polytrope STR™ resins are a great alternative to paint, paint film, laminates and other non-olefin decorative surfacing technologies," said Fred Galle, Business Manager – Polytrope STR™ Products.  "They can be used to meet both the physical performance and appearance requirements of our customers' finished parts, regardless of the application."

About A. Schulman, Inc.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins.  These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications.  The Company employs about 3,100 people and has 36 manufacturing facilities globally.  A. Schulman reported net sales of $2.2 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.  Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

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SOURCE A. Schulman, Inc.

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