PE 100+ Association: Borealis, Elenac and Solvay aim higher

Press Release 24 February1999
PE 100+ Association: Borealis, Elenac and Solvay aim higher

Polyethylene (PE) Pipe systems have for the last 40 years proven to be one of the most reliable and economical systems for the transport of fluids. In particular for water and gas PE resins are providing long lasting performance under pressure. High density PE classified as PE 100 is today the reference material for these demanding applications.

Three leading PE resin manufacturers Borealis A/S, Elenac GmbH and Solvay Polyolefins Europe SA have taken the initiative to launch the PE 100+ Association at the 24 th of February. The object of the new association is to guarantee quality and safety at the highest level in the production and usage of PE 100 pipe material.

The PE 100+ Association gives special attention to critical properties for pipe materials such as Creep Rupture Strength, Stress Cracking Resistance and Resistance to rapid Crack Propagation. The association has used the future European standard as a reference. In addition, to ensure quality and safety at the highest level, higher requirements have been set for the 3 most critical properties mentioned hereabove.

The PE 100+ Association Positive List consists of those enhanced pipe materials which have successfully passed regular testing against these requirements.

The PE 100+ Association is organised through Gastec, a well-known independent testing authority. All tests are carried out by independent testing laboratories.

The Associationis open to any manufacturer whose materials comply with the enhanced requirements. Those who want to apply have to contact Gastec for further information.

The following resins have proven to meet the PE 100+ resin requirements:

Borealis A/S
Borealis is Europe´s largest polyolefins producer and the fourth largest in the world with the head office in Lyngby, Denmark. Borealis has an annual capacity of over three million tonnes and 6,000 employees.

Contact:
Borealis A/S
Marc Van Aperen
Media Relations Manager
Tel+45 45 96 61 85
Fax +45 45 96 61 89

Elenac GmbH
Elenac is a 50/50 joint venture of BASF and Shell for the production, markting and sale of polyethylene products and the development and commercialisation of related technologies.
Since the mtake-over of the Hostalen business of Hoechst AG at the end of 1998, Elenac has become the second supplier of polyethylene in Europe with production sites in Germany, France, Spain and the UK. Elenac employs about 3100 people. The expected turnover for 1999 is around 4 billion DM.

Contact:
Elenac GmbH
Ulrike Mandt
Corporate Communications
Tel +49 621 60 92590
Mobile +49 172 747 02 97

Solvay Polyolefins Europe SA
Solvay Polyolefines Europe, a 100 percent wholly owened subsidiary ot the Solvay Group, operates three HDPE plants in Europe, with an annual production capacity of 500,000 t. On a global scale, the total capacity of the Solvay Group is 1,400,000 of HDPE.
Due to is technological know-how, Solvay Polyolefines Europe is amongst the leaders of high added value pressure-pipe, milk-bottle and fuel tank markets.

Contact:
Solvay Polyolefins Europe SA
André Scheelen
Pipe Extrusion Development
Tel +32 226 43559