Hong Kong, January 22, 2009 -- Pipe converters Wavin Hepworth, Aikang China, George Fischer and Weixing have announced that they will develop uniform standards for LyondellBasell’s recently-launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 polybutene-1, which represents a new high-performance class of resin used in underfloor low-temperature pipe heating and cooling systems.

According to Dr. Mattis Gosmann, LyondellBasell’s Marketing Manager for Polybutene-1 in Asia Pacific, “Achieving this company standard for pipe converters is a necessary first step in the development of a Chinese National Standard for the commercialization of a new class of resins for pipe applications. Our Akoafloor PB-R 509 resin is a new alternative to incumbent materials, offering the performance and reliability customers demand in sustainable pipe heating and cooling systems.”

The initiative is also supported by Chen Jiaqi, Chief-Secretary of China’s National Technical Committee of Standardization for Plastic Products, and Wei Ruoqi, Director of the Chinese National Test Center of Polymer and Building Materials.

“We discovered that Akoafloor PB-R 509 provides excellent processability, with reduced tooling modification requirements," said Frank Huang, Production Manager of Wavin Hepworth.  "Furthermore, the resin only requires one to two days of aging time, which we believe will help shorten our lead time."

Shi Guojun, Vice General Manager of Zhe Jiang Weixing New Building Materials Co., Ltd, said, "Underfloor heating is a rapidly-expanding market in China. We believe Akoafloor will provide this market with a premium and competitive solution that meets end user's needs for safety and reliability. "
 
In May 2008, LyondellBasell launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 at a customer event held in China. The product is the first random polybutene-1 co-polymer based on the company’s proprietary processing and catalyst technology designed for use in customer underfloor heating and surface cooling systems. Customers report that the resin offers superior flexibility, durability and creep resistance, as well as reduced jointing and fitting requirements.

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LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world’s largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including biofuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by Access Industries.

For information, contact:
LyondellBasell Industries
Media – Kathy Chan, +852 2585 0103
or kathy.chan@lyondellbasell.com