Huntsman and Nestaan take 'Walk the Talk' initiative to Benelux sprayers

Everberg, Belgium – MDI-producer Huntsman and systems house Nestaan Holland joined forces twice this year to train more than 40 polyurethanes insulation sprayers from Belgium and the Netherlands on the safe handling and usage of MDI.

The training sessions were based closely on the European Di-Isocyanate and Polyol Producers’ Association’s (ISOPA) ‘Walk the Talk’ product stewardship programme for MDI users, which was first launched in 2006.

The meetings covered not only essential information on MDI’s chemical and physical properties and EHS data, but also safe and unsafe handling behaviours, recommended personal protective equipment/workplace measures and emergency procedures in case of spillage.

Kay Hennekens, Managing Director of Nestaan Holland said: “The polyurethanes sprayers we supply handle and use our isocyanates and polyols every day at construction sites across the Benelux region and it is essential that they be fully aware that with proper precautions they can operate in complete safety.”

Gwendolien Fonck, Business Manager Systems Houses for Huntsman’s polyurethanes division added: “We are pleased to assist Nestaan to take downstream to their customers a training module developed by our upstream polyurethane raw materials trade association - with this ‘multiplier’ effect we can ensure that accurate information on the safe handling and use of MDI travels effectively down to end markets.”

About Nestaan Holland:
Founded in 1968, Nestaan Holland is a leading Dutch polyurethanes systems house, as well as a
producer of rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate block foam. The company’s main products include: formulated blends of raw materials for all types of applications as well as two-component PU adhesives and PU and PIR block foam products. Nestaan Holland is headquartered at Tholen in the Netherlands. For further information about Nestaan Holland, please visit the company’s web site www.nestaan.nl


About Huntsman:
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals.  Its 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 today has 13,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide.  The Company had 2007 revenues of approximately $10 billion.  For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company’s website at www.huntsman.com.


Forward Looking Statement:
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.  In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

Contact:
Michael Scharf
++ 32 475 380629