Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc., the leading global polymer additives supplier, and EPI Environmental Technologies Inc., a supplier of products for totally degradable plastic applications, have signed a global cooperation agreement. Effective April 15th, 2001, Ciba will become exclusive distributor of EPI additives for the agricultural industry.
The products, previously sold as AGP™, will be distributed by Ciba under the trade name Ciba® Envirocare™. The range includes additives for degradable plastics used in agriculture, such as mulch films, banana bags, direct covers, non-wovens and twines. EPI will continue to sell and distribute DCP™ (Degradable Compostable Plastic) additives which make single use plastic products such as garbage bags, shopping bags and diapers compostable and/or biodegradable.
"This cooperation with EPI expands Ciba's broad offering in the field of products and effects for plastics used in agricultural applications. It will enable us to offer integrated solutions fulfilling customer needs", said Felix Meyer, Head of Ciba's Plastic Additives Segment. "EPI's expertise also ideally complements our existing technology supporting plastic recycling, marketed as Ciba® Recyclostab®, Recyclossorb® and Recycloblend® additives."
Joseph G. Gho, President and CEO, EPI Environmental Technologies Inc. said, "Ciba's global presence in the agricultural plastic market will provide the best platform for geographic growth and the development of new applications based on EPI's technology."
EnvirocareTM additives are specialty chemicals to be added to conventional thermoplastic polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene to produce, on standard manufacturing machines, degradable plastic articles with controlled lifetimes, thanks to a trigger mechanism based on thermal- and/or photo-oxidation. Field trials have shown that mulch films incorporating these additives will be sufficiently embrittled by the end of the growing season to be easily mixed with the soil during routine cultivation. The polymer will then be totally degraded in the soil. This innovative technology provides an alternative to land-filling or burning for agricultural applications where re-collection, transportation, post-treatment and recycling cost are often prohibitive.
Ciba Specialty Chemicals (SWX:CIBN, NYSE: CSB) is a leading company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers' products. Our specialty chemicals, added in small quantities, enhance the performance, look and feel of the final product. Business success is driven by our long-term strategy of innovation and continuous operational improvements. Ciba brings new and creative thought to the processes and products of our customers in more than 120 countries. Ciba's continuing operations generated sales of CHF 7.9 billion in 2000 and CHF 293 million was spent on R&D to foster innovation across the Company.
EPI Environmental Technologies Inc., with headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, is the owner of proprietary technology which enables the manufacture of environmentally responsible plastics that degrade after use. EPI's Totally Degradable Plastic Additive (TDPA™) is incorporated in commodity plastics on standard manufacturing machines to make plastic film and other single use plastic products degradable, without affecting the quality of the product itself. With a primary focus on waste management and single use plastic products, EPI aims to meet its customers requirements through excellence in innovation, responsiveness and global capability.
Caroline Scherb
Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Basel
Switzerland
Tel +41 61 636 2726
Fax +41 61 636 2912
Joseph G. Gho
EPI Environmental Technologies Inc.
802-1788 W. Broadway; Vancouver BC,
Canada V6J 1Y1
Tel 604.738.6281
Fax 604.738.7839
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Internet Site:
Electronic media kit: http://www.cibasc.com/media
More info: http://www.cibasc.com/agriculture
EPI Internet Site: http://www.epi-global.com
