Sustainability Through Innovation which AVITERA® SE Technology Brings to Meet Every Need

Dec 13, 2011 6:00 AM ET

Singapore, December 13, 2011 /3BL Media/ – Continuing from the success from its initial launch in October 2010, AVITERA® SE from Huntsman Textile Effects, a leading global provider of high quality dyes and chemicals to the textile and related industries, continues to make strides in contributing to the sustainability of one of the earth’s most precious resources – water.

AVITERA® SE is a revolutionary, ground breaking technology that help significantly reduce water and energy consumption and CO2 emissions since the dyeing and washing-off process never exceed 60°C. With only five percent or less unfixed dye needing to be removed instead of the usual 15 percent to 30 percent, the number of rinsing baths to obtain the required fastness properties is greatly reduced.

Huntsman Textile Effects continues to deliver relevant products, experienced knowledgeable people and innovative solutions that are tailor-made to help businesses make real savings. Launching the next wave of AVITERA® SE range of polyreactive dyes for exhaust application on cellulosic fibers, the improved range now features a broad palette color spectrum that includes the palest to the deepest and the darkest shades.

In the first six months after AVITERA®SE was launched in 2010, Huntsman Textile Effects estimates that the cotton mills using the new product have saved 32 million gallons (121 million litres) of fresh water – equivalent to 48 Olympic-size swimming pools. That water-savings potential amounts to one quart (1.3 litres) of fresh water per person per day in major Asian textile processing countries such as China, India and Bangladesh, where water is most scarce. These savings are significant as the world demand for fresh water is expected to increase by 40 percent with up to 26 gallons (100 liters) of water needed to dye just two pounds (one kilogram) of cotton fabric.

Added Paul Hulme, President, Huntsman Textile Effects, “The textile industry as a whole is increasingly facing some very tough challenges in meeting with stricter regulations that govern sustainable and environmental business practice. Huntsman Textile Effects believes that innovative technology is the key to driving environmental sustainability and in making a real global difference. We believe that we have a responsibility to adopt and to offer the latest technologies such as AVITERA® SE that not only cuts water consumption and reduces energy consumption but also to empower and partner our customers to develop their businesses. We are pleased to share that many of our customers who had used our AVITERA® SE dyes had reported higher levels of productivity and lower processing costs, thereby helping them to save costs.”

Media Contacts:

Mindy Chee: +65 9875 4380
mindy_chee@huntsman.com

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About Textile Effects
Huntsman Textile Effects is the leading global provider of high quality dyes and chemicals to the textile and related industries. Research, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of what we do and we use cutting edge technology to develop innovative solutions to create innovative products and technologies with intelligent effects, such as built in freshness, sun protection or state-of-the-art dyes to reduce water and energy consumption, meeting the needs of our customers and supporting a more sustainable environment. With operations in 110 countries and 14 primary manufacturing facilities worldwide in twelve countries (China, Columbia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Switzerland, USA), Huntsman TE is uniquely positioned to provide fast and expert technical service wherever our customers are based.

About Huntsman
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Our operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company had 2010 revenues of over $9 billion. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.