Resin removal made even easier

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Ken Gordon
(614) 790-1832
kdgordon@ashland.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 10, 2010

Resin removal made even easier
EPA-award winning Acrastrip* cleaner now available in wipes

DUBLIN, Ohio – Composites manufacturers have yet another environmentally-friendly alternative for resin removal available from Ashland Distribution, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). U.S. Polychemical Corporation recently unveiled a saturated wipes version of its Acrastrip* composite resin remover.

Available only from Ashland Distribution, Acrastrip 600 cleaner has enabled manufacturers to eliminate traditional acetone for industrial cleaning and now this, as well as the new, corn-solvent derived Acrastrip 950 stripper technology is available in wipes. To order call 1-800-531-7106.
“Every composites manufacturer winds up using some sort of cleaning solvent,” said Don Belock, director of Composites for Ashland Distribution. “By using Acrastrip products, companies can actually save money and not have to worry about the hazardous waste that traditional acetone removers leave behind.”

As with the liquid Acrastrip resin remover that is available in pails and drums, the wipes provide a safe, non-flammable, HAPS-free option for resin removal. Measuring 10 inches by 12 inches, the dual-textured wipes come in a plastic canister and are sold in cases of six.

Over the past two years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the benefits of using Acrastrip products by awarding multiple companies with a “Design for the Environment” initiative award. A program designed by Ashland helps customers achieve EPA recognition for their environmental stewardship efforts when they switch to Acrastrip cleaning fluid from traditional acetone.

“Almost any company currently using acetone-based solvents for resin removal is a candidate for Acrastrip cleaners,” said Belock. “And as companies become more and more dedicated to environmental stewardship, more converts to Acrastrip cleaners are inevitable.”

U.S. Polychemical Corporation provides the electronic, aerospace, metalworking plastics, military, recreational and automotive industries with hazardous solvent replacement chemicals and equipment. More information about U.S. Polychemical Corporation is available at www.uspoly.com.

Ashland Distribution is a leading distributor of composite materials, plastics, chemicals and environmental services in North America.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.
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