News & Press

API ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2006 POLYURETHANE INNOVATION AWARD

September 27, 2006 - -- Rhino Linings/HIT Wins in the Products Award Category for the Battle Jacket FCS

-- Cargill, Inc. Takes the Technology Award for BiOH™ bio-based Polyols

ARLINGTON, Va. (September 27, 2006) - The Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API) announced the winners of its Polyurethane Innovation Awards during the closing session of the Polyurethanes 2006 Technical Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rhino Linings/HIT, received the Innovation Award in the Products category for its unique use of polyurethane in the Battle Jacket FCS, a spray polyurethane elastomer and proprietary additive which combines to expand and permanently seal undesired holes from ballistic penetration. Cargill, Inc. received the Innovation Award in the Technology category for its successful commercialization of BiOH™, a new polyols process technology representing a significant reduction in fossil fuel energy demand and major reduction of CO2 emissions.

"Rhino Linings/HIT's self-sealing/self heating external fuel tanker membrane system minimizes fuel leakage on U.S. military fuel tankers, represents the level of product innovation that characterizes the polyurethanes industry," said Dick Mericle of API. "Out of all the entries we received this year, the attendees agreed that Rhino Linings/HIT stood out in its understanding and use of polyurethane to produce a superior end-use product."

"The use of Cargill's exceptional technology validated and assured bio-based polyols as a real renewable formulating option for the polyurethane industry. This is a perfect example of how outstanding technology can help the industry to create a more sophisticated end-use product," he added.

Polyurethanes are some of the most versatile materials in the world. Their many uses range from flexible foam in upholstered furniture to rigid foam as insulation in walls and roofs. The Battle Jacket FCS has taken polyurethane to a whole new level, preventing and/or minimizing fuel leakage on fuel tankers due to small arms fire from insurgents. A special application process allows the U.S. military to apply the system to fuel tankers in the field.

Cargill's BiOH polyols can replace petroleum-based polyether and copolymer polyols to produce commercially competitive flexible foams that meet industry requirements, provide superior performance in both processing and physical properties, and exhibit low odor and color.

"The purpose of the Polyurethane Innovation Award is to highlight the efforts and foresight of companies and individuals whose visions have brought new products to the marketplace," said Mericle. "Because polyurethane is used in so many everyday applications - the cushions we sit on, the carpet we walk on, the shoes we run in - breakthrough innovations using polyurethane will continue to have a substantial impact on society."

Rhino Linings/HIT was one of four finalists in the innovation award Product category. The other finalists included Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company for a new flexible polyurethane foam, formulated in part with a polyol made from a renewable resource found in soybean oil; Michelin Americas Research and Development Corporation's combined tire and wheel that contains no air, so a tire could never go flat; and RS Technologies' more cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly, composite modular utility pole.

Cargill Inc. was one of five finalists in the Technology award category. The other finalists included Atlas Roofing Corporation for phasing out HCFCs in its manufacturing of foam insulation by developing polyisocyanurate foams; Bayer MaterialScience for the creation of a new product line that marks the fruition of a new environmentally friendly, polyether process; Foam Supplies, Inc. for an innovative new blowing agent designed for use in polyurethanes with zero ODP, zero GWP and VOC exempt; and Krauss-Maffei's new technological process for producing light-weight structural components more economically.

More than 900 people from 40 countries attended this year's conference, the largest polyurethanes event in the Americas. The conference is sponsored by API. The Polyurethane Innovation Award honors the most innovative use of polyurethane in an end-use product. Sponsored by API, it will be offered again in conjunction with the Polyurethanes 2007 Technical Conference, Sept. 24-26 in Orlando, Fla. More information on the award, submission of an entry, as well as the history and uses of polyurethane, can be found at www.polyurethane.org .

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API promotes the sustainable growth of the polyurethane industry, in accordance with the principles of Responsible Care®, by identifying and managing issues that could impact the industry, in cooperation with user groups. Its members are U.S. producers or distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane or are manufacturers of polyurethane products.

API is part of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). ACC represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $520 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

For More Information Contact:
Bill Brady
(952) 742-6608
bill_brady@cargill.com