Houston, April 14, 2004 --Equistar Chemicals, LP has developed a new series of Plexar® Tie Layer Resins that offer numerous processing and performance advantages in high barrier co-extrusion for blow molding, blown film and sheet-thermoforming applications.

Designated Plexar 6000 Series, the new products include Plexar PX 6002 and PX 6006. These new polypropylene resins extend the company’s extensive tie-layer resin offering and are now available in commercial quantities.

Based on Equistar’s proprietary technology, these novel tie-resins provide outstanding adhesion to ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide (nylon) and homo- and co-polymer polypropylene, while providing excellent heat resistance and high clarity.

The new Plexar® resins offer excellent processability, which results in even layer distribution and increased line speeds. Additionally, their outstanding adhesion, barrier properties and structural integrity are maintained after down-gauging. All offer superb compatibility in the regrind layer and meet FDA requirements for adhesives.

Plexar PX 6002 is intended for blow-molding and film applications. This high molecular weight resin offers broad applicability and is expected to be the workhorse of the new series.

Plexar PX 6006 is a high performance resin is designed for demanding sheet, thermoforming and blow molding applications, including deep forming (straight wall) containers, and retort/autoclave processing.
Equistar also develops customized versions of Plexar products for its customers. For additional information on these products, or to contact a technical representative, visit www.equistar.com/plexar.
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Equistar Chemicals, LP, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a joint venture between Lyondell Chemical Company and Millennium Chemicals Inc. and combines their olefins, polymers and oxygenated chemicals businesses. Equistar is one of the world’s largest producers of ethylene, propylene and polpolyethylene and a leading producer of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, polypropylene, specialty polymers, wire and cable resins, and polyolefin powders. Equistar was formed in December 1997 and has 16 manufacturing sites located primarily along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Midwest.