Albemarle Announces Phase-Out of Decabrom
Thursday December 17, 2009, 5:15 pm EST

Viable alternatives for a wide variety of polymer applications are available

BATON ROUGE, La., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Albemarle Corporation today announced it would begin an important shift in the production and sale of Deca-BDE, also known as decabrom. This flame retardant has for many years enhanced the safety of many consumer products, from textiles and electronics to airline and automobile interiors, greatly reducing the risk of fire when consumer products are exposed to heat or other ignition sources.

"While hundreds of science-based and peer-reviewed studies have shown Deca-BDE to be safe in use and one of the most efficacious flame retardants in the world, Albemarle is committed to delivering safe and effective products with increasingly smaller environmental footprints," said Brian Carter, global business director of Albemarle's flame retardant group. "Safe and environmentally sound substitutes for decabrom are available today, and we are working with our customers and the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a phase out of Deca-BDE in the coming years."

"In addition to our existing alternatives, Albemarle fire safety scientists have developed GreenArmor, a polymer-based flame retardant technology which is a recyclable and an eco-friendly alternative to current decabrom technology. Our investment in this new fire safety technology demonstrates Albemarle's commitment to constantly seek higher-performing, sustainable alternatives to existing fire safety products," explained Tony Parnell, vice president of the company's polymer solutions division.

About Albemarle

Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a leading global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of highly-engineered specialty chemicals for consumer electronics, petroleum refining, utilities, packaging, construction, automotive/transportation, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, food-safety and custom chemistry services. The Company is committed to global sustainability and is advancing its eco-practices and solutions in its three business segments, Polymer Solutions, Catalysts, and Fine Chemicals. Albemarle employs over 4,100 people and serves customers in approximately 100 countries.

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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