Dow and Interfilm Improve Sustainability of Window Envelope Films

GREENVILLE, S.C. and MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Interfilm Holdings Inc. (Interfilm) and The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:Dow) are improving the sustainability of window envelope films with the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset the conventional energy expended at Dow’s Hebron, Ohio plant in the production of PROCITE^TM Window Envelope Films. The RECs are certified through a third party, and comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and audit processes.

“Now our envelope customers can support more sustainable manufacturing practices and renewable energy generation simply by choosing PROCITE film for their envelope windows”

Purchasing RECs is an immediate and cost-effective way to help reduce the environmental impact of conventional electricity generation. For every REC purchased, one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity is generated and delivered to the power grid.

Dow and Interfilm estimate that the RECs purchased to offset energy consumption at Dow’s Hebron facility is equivalent to the electrical power used by 725 U.S. homes for one year.

Interfilm enjoys a long-standing distributor agreement with Dow for PROCITE films, which provide a unique blend of clarity, readability and stiffness for postal envelope applications.

“Now our envelope customers can support more sustainable manufacturing practices and renewable energy generation simply by choosing PROCITE film for their envelope windows,” said Richard M. Martin, Interfilm’s vice president of sales. “It’s a solution that their customers can participate in as well.”

Interfilm customers may include a “Certified Wind Power” logo for their window envelope products and should contact their Interfilm representative or Richard Martin at Interfilm headquarters in Greenville, S.C., for more information.

The purchase of RECs at the Hebron production facility is one of many steps Dow is taking to achieve its 2015 Sustainability Goals and deliver practical solutions that address some of the world’s most critical challenges – including the need for clean, sustainable energy.

“Dow’s pursuit of a sustainable energy future extends across the supply chain, from Interfilm to the envelope manufacturers and, ultimately, to consumers,” said Luiz Stortini, global business director, Dow Specialty Packaging and Films.

As a leading converter and distributor of thin gauge plastic films, Interfilm’s products include polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, cellophane, brushed films, compostable films and metal adhesion films. Interfilm markets encompass labels and graphic arts, flexible packaging, folding cartons, envelopes, flexible plastic air ducts and industrial films.

PROCITE^TM Window Envelope Films are just one example of Dow’s global market leadership in the production of oriented polystyrene films. This family of products offers excellent optical properties, high stiffness, low extensibility and excellent dimensional stability.

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Interfilm

The Interfilm corporate office is located at 127 Turningstone Court, Greenville, S.C. 29611. The mailing address and phone numbers are: P.O. Box 51128, Piedmont, S.C. 29673; Telephone 864-269-4690; toll free at 1-800-648-4828 and fax number 864-269-5048. Interfilm also operates converting plants in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Glastonbury, Conn., Guilford, Conn., and North Aurora, Ill.

Recent Achievements at Interfilm

A consistent trend of growth and commitment has positioned Interfilm as a formidable supplier to the converting industry. In July 2010, Interfilm’s Greenville, S.C., facility achieved a ‘Superior’ rating in its first audit conducted by AIB International. During this same month, Interfilm’s Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., facility installed a new Kampf high-speed slitter to improve efficiencies and keep up with customer demand.

In August 2009, Interfilm’s North Aurora, Ill., facility received Orion Energy Systems’ Environmental Stewardship Award for achieving significant environmental benefits through the use of Orion’s energy-efficient products and systems. All four Interfilm converting facilities have installed energy-efficient lighting systems.

In June 2009, a new Kampf high-speed slitter and rewinder was installed in the Illinois facility. Interfilm has invested heavily in the North Aurora operation over the past four years, purchasing three high speed slitters, a new doctor machine, and adding 17,000 square feet of warehouse space.

In May 2009, Interfilm announced signing a distributor agreement with NanoPack Inc. of Wayne, Pa. NanoPack has developed proprietary barrier coatings that substantially improve existing methods of creating clear barrier films used in packaging consumer products such as foods. Interfilm has added warehouse space in Glastonbury, Conn., and expanded its headquarters and Southeast converting facility in 2008.

In 2007, the company made international news with its acquisition of Brushfoil LLC, the world’s leader in metallized brushed films for labels, lamination and high-tech appliance and automotive applications. Further information about Interfilm Holdings Inc. can be found at www.interfilm-usa.com.