HAAS Introduces a Biodegradable Replacement For Polypropylene and ABS

    DETROIT, March 6 Visitors to the HAAS GmbH Booth (#3134)
at this year's SAE Show will learn all about Granubi(TM), the German Company's
exciting new biodegradable material that has proven to be an ideal substitute
for some polypropylene and some ABS in many automotive and non-automotive
applications.

    Developed after many years of intensive research and testing, Granubi(TM)
combines the most important properties of conventional thermoplastics with the
environmentally-friendly advantage of complete biodegradability.  The compound
is particularly suitable for injection molding applications.  At the end of a
part or component's useful life, it can be shredded and discarded in any
landfill where it will decompose in two to four months as it is subjected to
natural heat, moisture and UV rays.

    Granubi(TM) is a patented blend of natural raw materials, minerals and
resins including soybeans, corn starch, potatoes, sugar cane, jute, cotton,
cellulose, hay, wheat, rye, paper, rags ... all readily available in an
inexhaustible supply.  It can be processed using existing equipment and
technologies.

    According to Thomas Roth, VP of HAAS GmbH in Reichenschwand, Germany, and
John M. (Mike) Mead, President of HAAS North America, HAAS has recently
entered into a joint relationship with a leading Detroit automotive supplier
to investigate the use of Granubi(TM) in some of that company's automotive and
non-automotive products.  Final results of their testing should be available
in about three months.