FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW ZEONEX^® FOR BLUE LASER APPLICATIONS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 2, 2007) - ZEONEX^®, Cyclo Olefin Polymer (COP), has long been the standard for optical components, including pick-up lenses, used with red lasers.

The trend to blue lasers in consumer and industrial applications, inclusive of blue laser-based DVD players and other components, has necessitated a material that can also resist long-term exposure to the blue laser.

Blue lasers, which put off wavelengths around 400nm, have a tendency to degrade plastics after long-term exposure. This is especially prevalent when the device is operating at elevated temperatures (e.g., 80°C), that is encountered on electronic devices.

ZEONEX 340R was specifically developed to address the needs for high optical transparency, stable refractive index and high transmittance after prolonged, high-heat exposure to blue lasers.

Testing by ZEON CORPORATION comparing ZEONEX 340R to conventional materials shows that ZEONEX 340R provides superior transmittance after irradiation with 400nm light. Specifically, ZEONEX 340R retained its original transmission of approximately 92% even after 1700 hours irradiation (85°C, 400 mW/cm2). In comparison, conventional materials showed loss of 7-8%, or more, under the same condition.

ZEONEX 340R has a stable Abbe number over a temperature range from 10° to 60°C. Similarly, the refractive index is stable over the temperature range and over wavelengths from 400-700nm.

ZEONEX 340R is suitable for pick-up lenses, mirrors, prisms, and other optical components that are exposed to blue lasers, and is available for immediate sampling. A technical paper detailing ZEONEX 340R is available for download. For additional information, please contact ZEON at +1.502.775.2000.

About Zeon Chemicals L.P.
Zeon Chemicals L.P. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ZEON CORPORATION of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in specialty elastomers, polymers and specialty chemicals. ZEON CORPORATION is one of the top producers of polymers in the world with plants in Asia, North America and Europe, and Research and Development laboratories in Kawasaki (Japan), Louisville (KY, USA) and Barry (UK).

ZEON CORPORATION, with combined sales of over US 2.2 billion, utilizes its expertise and basic position in C4 and C5 chemistry to offer a wide range of products. The company employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide.