HOUSTON, Dec. 12, 2013 – LyondellBasell can offer customers a wider range of food-contact applications for its Microthene F polyethylene powders as a result of a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.  This expanded clearance allows for a number of new food-contact applications for Microthene F powder such as plastic bags, containers and trays.

Microthene F powder particles are spherically shaped fine powders and are available in low- and high-density polyethylene grades. Microthene F powders can now be used for food contact applications with any polymer and food type at any temperature.

“This expanded FDA clearance opens doors for a wider range of exciting applications for our customers and for LyondellBasell,” said Jim Krohn, Microthene marketing manager for LyondellBasell. “Microthene F can reduce the potential for pellet agglomeration when used as a dusting or partitioning agent for tacky polymers.”

Established in the market for more than 40 years, customers use Microthene F powders in a variety of applications including low-profile additives for thermosets and composites, pultrusion processing aids, binding agents for filters or batteries and additives for coatings and adhesives. Microthene F products are sold globally and produced in the midwestern United States.

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LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500.  LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) manufactures products at 58 sites in 18 countries.  LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.

For more information contact:

Media - Bill Herdman, +1 713 309 4814, bill.herdman@lyondellbasell.com