A. Schulman Earns Recognition from the Society of Plastics Engineers for the 2005 Ford Mustang

DETROIT--Dec. 3, 2004--When the 2005 Ford Mustang convertible rolls out of showrooms and onto America's highways, it will mark the first time an all-plastic component has been used as a load-bearing touch-off molding on a convertible. This deck lid closeout panel also incorporates a unique clip attachment to the vehicle.

This development has received an innovation award from the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). Recognized for their role in this application are: A. Schulman/Zeon Chemicals, material supplier; Cooper Standard Automotive, system supplier; Innatech, molder; and Dynamic Mold, tooling supplier.

The material is a multi-shot application of glass filled polyamide, Schulamid 66/6GF33H-330 YGYA Black, and a new TPV resin that is chemically bondable to the polyamide. The result is a cost-effective, lightweight component that provides a true match finish and durability, while meeting load demands.

"Today's consumers have greater expectations when it comes to appearance. They demand components that have consistent finishes throughout the vehicle," noted Blake Synnestvedt, director of Engineering, Innatech. "The bar has been raised."

"This award is a testament to our commitment to develop customer-focused solutions which meet or exceed our customers' requirements," said Alain Adam, vice president, International Automotive Marketing, A. Schulman. "By working closely with our customers and their suppliers, we'll continue to lead the way in material innovations."

Dubbed the "Oscars of Plastics Applications," the annual SPE Innovation Awards recognize several component categories in addition to Materials, including Chassis/Hardware, Body Exterior, Body Interior, Environmental, Process/Assembly/Enabling Technologies, Performance and Customization, and Powertrain.

ABOUT A. SCHULMAN

A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins for a variety of markets and specialized applications. Principal product lines consist of proprietary and custom-formulated engineered plastic compounds, color concentrates and additives that improve the appearance and performance of plastics.

Technology centers in North America and Europe are devoted to new product development and color research, while product testing and quality control laboratories ensure timely delivery of high-quality products to a global customer base.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman has approximately 2,400 employees and 12 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region. A. Schulman stock is quoted through the Nasdaq National Market System (Symbol:SHLM).

Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004 were more than $1.2 billion. Additional information can be found at www.aschulman.com.