Press Release

Kraton Polymers Stays in Tune
with European Asphalt Industry

LONDON (April 15, 2004) – Kraton Polymers will ensure it stays in tune with the current and future needs of the European asphalt industry when it heads to Vienna to participate in the 3rd Eurasphalt and Eurobitume Congress in May 12-14, 2004.

The world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) has worked closely with the asphalt and bitumen industries since Kraton Polymers’ scientists pioneered SBC technology in the 1960s. Kraton polymers can extend the life-time of road surfaces by improving the performance of bitumen in extreme hot or cold climates, and reducing rutting and fatigue caused by heavy traffic.

Kraton Polymers will present its latest innovations to bitumen manufacturers and their partners in administration, industry, research and practice, attending the Congress Technical Programme.

Stephen Evans, global SBS business manager at Kraton Polymers, said: “Kraton Polymers is the leading SBC supplier to the roads construction industry, with considerable expertise in helping bitumen producers to make a real difference to the long-term performance and durability of their bitumen compositions and therefore the roads on which they are used. As a result, our polymers are highly-regarded by the industry.

“This Congress covers the issues of key importance to the European roads industry, from future specifications for asphalt to safety and the environment, and temperature, fatigue and rutting performance. We are looking forward to meeting with the key players and learning more about their future requirements.”

For more information on Kraton polymers and bitumen modification visit: www.Kraton.com or visit the Kraton Polymers exhibit at the 3rd Eurasphalt and Eurobitume Congress.

About Kraton

Kraton Polymers LLC is a premier, global specialty chemicals company and is the world’s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by Kraton over forty years ago.  SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which enhance the performance of products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability.  Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications including road and roofing materials, numerous consumer products (e.g., diapers, tool handles and toothbrushes), tapes, labels, medical applications, packaging, automotive and footwear products.  Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability.  Its production facilities are located in the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan.

Polymer Holdings LLC is the parent company of Kraton Polymers LLC and has no material assets other than its investment in Kraton Polymers LLC. 

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

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