Dow Polyurethanes To Increase VORANOL VORACTIV Capacity To Meet Strong Global Product Demand

MIDLAND, Mich.--Sept. 30, 2003--Dow Polyurethanes has announced that it will increase production capacity for VORANOL* VORACTIV*, the polyurethanes industry's first catalytically active product line, in response to strong global customer demand. Dow plans to convert a portion of its conventional polyol production capacity at its Freeport, Texas, manufacturing site to VORANOL VORACTIV.

Dow's ability to produce VORANOL VORACTIV will rise from 80 mmlbs to approximately 580 mmlbs by October 1, 2003. Introduced in October 2001, low-volatile organic compound (VOC) emission VORANOL VORACTIV product line has captured the attention of leading suppliers to the automotive and furnishings industries. Dow anticipates that this trend will continue as suppliers around the world recognize the significant advantages they can realize by incorporating VORANOL VORACTIV into their product lines.

"Customer response to VORANOL VORACTIV across the globe has been tremendous and the additional capacity is in line with forecasted sales of the product in 2004," says Steven English, business development director of Dow's polyurethanes business. "VORANOL VORACTIV has been a necessary and welcome addition to the market because of its many benefits to OEMs, foam manufacturers and consumers."

VORANOL VORACTIV allows flexible foam manufacturers to minimize their handling of amine catalysts, cut processing steps, and dramatically reduce emission-, stain- and fog-causing agents from their polyurethane foams.

Dow has also responded to the increase in customer interest by updating its popular Web site, www.voractiv.com. In addition to profiling the product line, the company has updated the site's look and increased the amount of online downloadable (printable) literature that is available. The Web site continues to include a Technical Inquiry Form to aid customers with practical questions regarding the use of VORANOL VORACTIV polyols in their specific application, as well as about the product line.

"We designed this Web site as a fast and easily-accessible way to find information about VORANOL VORACTIV," says English. "From the home page, customers can clearly navigate through manufacturing and environmental advantages of the product line, as well as get their product questions answered quickly in our comprehensive 'Frequent Questions' section."

Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of approximately $28 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of Sustainable Development, Dow and its approximately 50,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.

Further Literature Available at www.voractiv.com

* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company