Alastian, the first web-based business channel for polyolefins, will be available in North America on October 1.

Alastian is designed for polyolefins customers who are very familiar with the polyolefin products they use and who require little or no technical service from their resin supplier. Alastian offers a selected range of Basell polypropylene grades at competitive prices. Speed and convenience are among the key attributes of Alastian, which will enable customers in North America to place rail-car quantity orders 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

”We have addressed North American customers’ need for a faster, more cost effective and time efficient way to buy resins,” said Don Drummond, senior vice president of sales and marketing,  Basell North America. “With the introduction of Alastian we are giving customers a clear choice in service levels when they make their purchasing decisions.”

Drummond pointed out that services such as technical support will be available for an additional cost, but are entirely optional with the Alastian business model.  “Customers who choose to buy products without added services will see the benefits of paying only for what they select,” Drummond added. “With Alastian, pricing is transparent and readily available online for registered customers.”

Basell introduced the Alastian business model in Europe in April 2004. Web-enabled transactions have resulted in benefits for online customers, as well as providing reliable supply and the confidence they are purchasing Basell quality polyolefins. All Alastian customers are eligible to benefit from these incentives starting with the first purchase online.

“Alastian is right for a wide range of customers,” said Elizabeth Hattey, Basell’s North America Alastian leader. “It offers an opportunity for customers to make their own choices about what they need and the products and services they elect to buy.”

Registration information and Alastian business terms and conditions are available at www.alastian.com.  Registered customers can view a full list of available products and prices.

Alastian operates in parallel with Basell’s direct sales polyolefins business, which will continue to offer a full range of products and services.

Business Contact: Visit www.alastian.com or call 1-877-663-7450

Media Contact: Michelle Harrell at +1 410 996 1366 or +1 302 438 6574 or michelle.talmo@basell.com