Milan, Italy, September 15, 2003 – Basell today introduced a new Ziegler-Natta catalyst family based on ethyl-benzoate as internal donor that improves polymer morphology and bulk density. The proprietary ethyl-benzoate catalysts are designed specifically for gas phase polypropylene processes and are also suitable for liquid phase polymerisation.

"By uniquely using ethyl-benzoate as internal donor, we have developed this catalyst on an advanced magnesium chloride support and this translates into better plant operability and higher throughput," said Werner Breuers, president of Basell’s Technology Business."

"The new catalysts produce resins with a broader molecular weight distribution compared to phthalate systems," added Michael Mulrooney, senior vice president, marketing and new ventures. "This makes them highly versatile and well suited for a variety of applications, especially film."

With the introduction of the ethyl-benzoate catalysts, Basell is the only company offering four Ziegler-Natta polypropylene catalyst families:

--Phthalate – multipurpose high mileage catalysts suitable for gas phase, liquid (bulk) and slurry polymerisation.
--Diether – very high mileage catalysts producing narrow molecular weight distribution resins, especially well suited for fibres and injection moulding applications. Can be used in gas phase, liquid (bulk) and slurry polymerisation.
--Succinate – high mileage catalysts producing broad molecular weight distribution resins, especially well suited for film and injection moulding applications. Can be used in gas phase, liquid (bulk) and slurry polymerisation.
--Ethyl-benzoate – multipurpose catalysts with a broad molecular weight distribution and good morphology. Can be used in gas phase and liquid (bulk) processes.

"With the addition of the new ethyl-benzoate catalyst, Basell now has the capability to meet 100% of every PP producer’s product requirements," said Mulrooney. "We have drop-in replacements for most existing systems, as well as more advanced catalysts for upgrading plants and expanding product capability."

The new family of Ziegler-Natta catalysts extends the range of offerings marketed by Basell under the Avant trademark. These advanced catalyst systems are:
Avant ZN - Ziegler-Natta catalysts for polypropylene
Avant Z - Ziegler catalysts for polyethylene
Avant C - Chromium catalysts for polyethylene
Avant M - Metallocene catalysts for polypropylene
Avant catalysts are manufactured in Italy, Belgium, Germany and the United States. Basell also maintains regional technical and distribution centres to support a global customer base.

In addition to producing and commercialising catalysts, Basell develops and licenses polyolefin processes. Basell also develops, produces and markets polypropylene, polyethylene and advanced polyolefin materials. Basell's corporate centre is located in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands and the Technology Business is based in Milan. The company has regional offices in Elkton, Maryland USA; Brussels; Mainz, Germany; Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Hong Kong, as well as manufacturing facilities and sales offices in the major markets around the globe. The company’s Internet address is www.basell.com.

For additional information about the new ethyl-benzoate catalyst family, contact Basell’s Catalyst organization at catalysts@basell.com