Novomer and DSM to Develop First Sustainable Carbon Dioxide-Based Resin for Coatings


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - January 26, 2010) - Novomer, Inc., a sustainable materials company pioneering a family of high-performance plastics, polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, have announced that they have signed a joint development agreement to develop revolutionary polyols for coating and ink resins produced using CO2 as a raw material.

This development agreement follows an investment by DSM Venturing in Novomer in 2007. This joint development project will benefit from the broad variety of technologies and market access of DSM, in combination with the unique, efficient CO2 polymerization technology of Novomer.

The chemistry and process technology for producing polyols from CO2 and propylene oxide (PO) will be developed by Novomer, while DSM will convert the polyols into resins and formulate them for target applications such as coatings, adhesives and graphic arts. Potential applications include food and beverage can coatings and linings, coil coating, and automotive and industrial finishes. The first application results have been encouraging and suggest that this project might lead to completely new and unprecedented properties in coatings.

As Novomer's materials comprise up to 50% CO2 by weight, they deliver significant environmental benefits including:

--  Require up to 50% less petroleum to produce than conventional polyols
--  Sequester CO2 in the manufacturing
--  Enable the replacement of conventional polyol resins (as Novomer's
    manufacturing process is highly efficient) in a number of coating
    applications including UV curable coatings, heat curable coatings and
    waterborne dispersions
    

Conventional polycarbonate polyols are widely known because of their superior performance and environmental resistance, but also for questions around the safety of extractable chemicals. Of particular concern is the use of BPA containing materials for food and beverage can linings. With anticipated comparable performance and cost attributes, greater environmental friendliness, and containing no BPA, Novomer's polyols can potentially be used in a much broader array of end products.

Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer of DSM, said: "DSM and Novomer are looking to develop the first polymer to enter the mainstream of the coating industry for more than a decade. This exciting development can lead to a breakthrough that could change the coating industry. While addressing cost-issues, these innovative coating resins also address environmental and performance issues. It therefore fits perfectly within DSM's People, Planet and Profit approach."

Peter Shepard, Vice President of Business Development of Novomer, adds: "We are very enthusiastic about our relationship with DSM as they bring a wealth of skills and industry knowledge to help drive the commercialization of our technology in the coatings industry. In addition, this product development relationship with DSM leverages our ongoing technical development work that has been supported by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) and the National Science Foundation SBIR program."

About Novomer

Novomer (http://www.novomer.com) is a revolutionary new materials company pioneering a family of low-cost, high-performance, sustainable plastics, polymers and other chemicals. Based on the pioneering catalyst work of Dr. Geoff Coates at Cornell University, Novomer's groundbreaking technology allows carbon dioxide and other renewable feedstocks to be cost-effectively transformed into polymers, plastics and other chemicals for a wide variety of industrial markets.

About DSM NeoResins+

DSM NeoResins+ is a leading, committed, global supplier of innovative specialty resins for the coatings and graphic arts industries. The waterborne product lines include acrylics, urethanes, alkyds and polyesters. The solvent borne product lines include polyesters, acrylic, alkyds, urethane and amino resins and acrylic beads.

DSM NeoResins+ has 1,250 employees and operates seven manufacturing sites spread over Europe, US and China. Being focused on customer needs, it has five Application and Research & Technology Centers supported by a Customer Service Center in each of the three continents. DSM NeoResins+ is headquartered in Waalwijk (Netherlands).

DSM -- the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

Contact Information: For more information: Kevin Kosh CHEN PR, Inc. 781-672-3111