Dow Automotive Systems Expands Sustainability Initiatives to Include Manufacturing Processes

MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), is advancing their commitment to sustainability by securing renewable bio-based fuel to power three primary manufacturing plants located in Midland, Mich.

“Certainly our products support customer sustainability goals related to weight savings, which bolsters fuel savings and ultimately cleaner air. Now the manufacturing process also provides substantial benefits that are generating customer interest.”

Dow Automotive Systems manufactures BETAMATE™ structural adhesives, BETASEAL™ glass bonding systems and Dow Brake Fluids at facilities that will be powered by bio fuel within the Michigan Operations facilities at Dow headquarters in Midland. The products from these facilities are supplied to customers in North America.

Beginning in 2013, Dow will source clean power from biofuel for its Automotive Systems plants in Michigan Operations, reducing annual energy usage by up to 1.5 megawatts per year or the equivalent of nearly 93,000 MM BTU of natural gas. The use of clean power coupled with the energy savings will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing units by nearly 8,000 metric tons per year, or the equivalent annual greenhouse gas emissions from approximately 1,600 passenger vehicles.

As these three plants continue to demonstrate the value of sustainable manufacturing, Dow Automotive Systems will work with customers to evaluate additional opportunities worldwide.

“Sustainability goals should always include manufacturing,” said Steve Henderson, General Manager of Dow Automotive Systems. “Certainly our products support customer sustainability goals related to weight savings, which bolsters fuel savings and ultimately cleaner air. Now the manufacturing process also provides substantial benefits that are generating customer interest.”

“Working closely with customers to help achieve key milestones like weight savings, enables our engineers to develop products that address global industry objectives,” Henderson added. “In addition to weight savings, our materials also help improve vehicle durability, passenger comfort and improve manufacturing efficiencies.”

About Dow Automotive Systems

Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, is a leading global provider of collaborative solutions and advanced materials for original equipment manufacturers, tier suppliers, aftermarket customers and commercial transportation manufacturers. Our materials focus includes structural, elastic and rubber-to-substrate adhesive solutions; polyurethane foams and acoustical management solutions; films; fluids; and innovative composite technologies. Offices and application development centers are located around the world to ensure regionalized technical, engineering and commercial support for customers and industry groups. For additional information, visit dowautomotivesystems.com

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology 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 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 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.