Midland, MI.

* Insulation is one of the most important elements of green homes and buildings.
* STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing and the THERMAX™ Wall System seen by experts as contributing the most value to builders, remodelers and architects.
* Dow Building Solutions is the first company to win multiple green product awards in the same competition.

Dow Building Solutions (DBS) has brought home the "green" from Building Products magazine's second annual Green Product Awards contest.

DBS earned the coveted awards for two different continuous insulation (ci) wall systems - STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing and the THERMAX™ Wall System. This is the first time in the competition's history that a company has won for two products in the same year.

"Builders, contractors and architects recognize the value of insulation in making a structure greener and more energy efficient," said Mike McGaugh, vice president and general manager, Dow Building Solutions, North America. "At Dow, we are helping to make green-built homes and buildings even better by developing and bringing to market new technologies that perform better, save more energy and are easier to install."

The winners of the 2009 Green Product Awards represent product introductions that excelled in three areas: sustainability, value to the contractor, and innovation. The ultimate award winners were those deemed to contribute the most to green-built homes and buildings, and offer the most value to builders, remodelers and architects.

STYROFOAM SIS™ Structural Insulated Sheathing from Dow combines a structural layer, a moisture barrier, and foam insulation, providing R-values of 3.0 at ½ inch or 5.5 at 1 inch. Made of up to 80 percent post-consumer recycled content by weight, STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing is ENERGY STAR-qualified. And, at one-third the weight of OSB†, it is easier to handle and quicker to install. One judge summed up the products benefits as, "This appears to be an excellent product, providing wall bracing, energy performance, and the potential for weatherization all in one. The labor savings alone is huge."

"Builders who have switched from un-insulated sheathing, such as OSB, to STYROFOAM SIS™ like the fact that they only need one product to deliver structure, water resistance and thermal insulation," said John Hammer, residential market manager, Dow Building Solutions, North America. "It's an easier way for them to build greener homes. Homeowners benefit too, saving anywhere from $200-$500 on their energy bills‡."

The THERMAX™ Wall System by Dow is a new approach to steel stud wall design that makes it easier to minimize a building's energy usage in a cost-effective manner. The system integrates continuous rigid foam insulation and flashing on the exterior, and spray polyurethane foam on the interior. It provides an R-value of up to 28.8, blocks air infiltration, and helps prevent moisture intrusion.

"THERMAX™ is truly innovative because it reduces the number of trades involved in erecting the wall assembly and, because of the spray-applied interior wall insulation, the smallest penetrations are eliminated," said Birmingham, Michigan, architect Victor Saroki of Victor Saroki & Associates, in a testimonial.

"When we calculated the tremendous energy loss in steel stud construction that used traditional gypsum and batt insulation, we decided to create a wall system that provides thermal protection and prevents air and moisture penetration without adding steps," said Doug Todd, commercial market manager, Dow Building Solutions, North America. "With some recent projects, our customers have reported energy savings of 30 to 40 percent over the original design, and capital cost reductions for materials and labor of up to $60,000."

— WebWireID108242 —

Three AIHA and NVLAP Accredited Labs now serving greater Los Angeles...

LA Testing has continued to make strides to satisfy their client base with the recent acquisition of a laboratory in Torrance, CA. The laboratory in Torrance provides asbestos testing by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and phase contrast microscopy. In addition, the laboratory also provides mold analysis of spore traps, tape lifts and culture plates. The laboratory is currently accredited by NVLAP and CA ELAP accredited for asbestos analysis and AIHA EMLAP for mold analysis.

Over the past several years, LA Testing has become a leading player in the Southern California environmental, indoor air quality, materials characterization and product testing marketplace. The South Pasadena, CA laboratory has built up a reputation as being the leading laboratory for soot identification testing utilized by many high end environmental professionals providing fire damage investigations throughout the state of California. The Los Alamitos laboratory is a full service industrial hygiene testing laboratory providing a wide range of analytical services to support industrial hygiene professionals throughout the west coast.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
The laboratories currently service clients internationally. Those clients include IAQ professionals, environmental consultants, abatement firms, restoration firms, environmental engineers, industrial hygienists, construction firms, engineering firms, remediation firms, contractors, mortgage companies, home inspectors, building inspection firms, carpet cleaners, duct cleaners, home owners, home builders, HVAC contractors, roofing companies, health and safety professionals, hospitals, doctors, manufacturing firms, management firms, real estate firms, landlords, mortgage companies, attorneys, testing firms, laboratories, schools, universities, forensic consultants, health departments, fortune 500 firms, and state, local and federal government agencies.

LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. currently operates 32 laboratories throughout the nation with full analytical services, including environmental microbiology (mold, bacteria, Legionella, Coliforms, indoor allergens, mycotoxins, endotoxins), DNA based polymerase chain reaction (PCR), asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental chemistry, materials, forensic, failure, and mechanical testing. In addition to laboratory services, the firm provides mold management seminars, free IAQ seminars, and free sampling workshops at locations throughout the country.

EMSL Analytical currently holds accreditations with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), including the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP), the AIHA Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELLAP), the AIHA Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program (IHLAP), the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), the New York Department of Health (NYDOH), TX DOH, CA E-LAP, and various other state, federal, and private accrediting bodies. The labs are also successful participants in AIHA's Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT), Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT), and the Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) programs. EMSL maintains a rigorous in-house QA/QC program to ensure our clients are receiving the most accurate and legally defensible results possible.

For further information, contact us at 1-800-755-1794 or for a complete list of offices, accreditations, and capabilities please visit LA Testing's website at www.LATesting.com or EMSL's at www.EMSL.com

— WebWireID108232 —

The Copenhagen conference aims to lead to a global agreement on energy and climate that will take over from the Kyoto Protocol as of 2013, in the interest of containing the average increase in temperatures to below 2°C.

One of the major priorities of the conference is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for all of the stakeholders, which include both emerging and industrialized nations and economies. The conference will also tackle the issue of adapting to the impacts of climate change, technology transfers and the implementation of mechanisms for financing these initiatives.

All of these issues are of critical importance for the future of our planet and world citizens.

Air Liquide participates in the fight against climate change by developing the innovative technologies that contribute to achieving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, such as the capture and storage of CO2, and supplies the hydrogen that enables the production of cleaner fuels. The Group is also developing clean alternative energies, such as photovoltaic, second generation biofuels and hydrogen and fuel cells.

Energy and the Environment are part of the five growth drivers of Air Liquide, which invests more than 60% of its R&D budget in solutions aiming to preserve the environment and life.

In Copenhagen, Air Liquide will be present at the Bright Green exhibition on December 12 and 13 (Stand 58 – Energy Zone).

— WebWireID108201 —

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., November 18, 2009 — Ircon®, the worldwide leader in infrared (IR) noncontact temperature measurement, has introduced the new Modline® 6 Series of infrared thermometers. The new line of high performance sensors features advanced signal processing and background-reflected energy compensation capabilities, and includes one-and two-color fiber optic IR devices designed for harsh operating environments.

The rugged Modline 6 Series thermometers deliver the best value in terms of price, performance, features and ease-of-use of any available fiber-optic infrared thermometer. They are used in a variety of demanding industrial applications, including metal heat treating, steel production, foundries, and primary and secondary glass.

The Modline 6 firmware now provides engineers with enhanced signal processing options, including averaging, "peak hold" and "valley hold.' The thermometers also incorporate a state-of-the-art electro-optic design offering built-in compensation for background-reflected energy. These features are accessed via Modline 6 Multidrop Support Software, which is intended for remote sensor configuration and data acquisition, display and archiving. The software includes demonstration tutorials that pictorially guide users step-by-step through the setup of signal processing and programmable relay functions.

Proprietary electronics support other advanced features, including two-way serial communications, remote sensor setup and configuration, real-time display of target temperature, and field calibration software.

The Modline 6 sensor includes a fiber-optic re-imaging lens interfacing to an electronics box, which has a bright LED display for access to key sensor functions and live temperature output. With the Modline 6, there is no need to open the electronics box when adjustments to sensor settings are required.

Modline 6 Series thermometers use high-speed digital signal processors with an RS-485 serial data communications networking capability supporting up to 32 sensors. System requirements for the Modline 6 Multidrop Support Software include a personal computer with a minimum of 4 MB of RAM operating under Microsoft® Windows NT4/Windows 2000/XP. The software is included at no additional cost with all new Modline 6 Series thermometers.

About Raytek and Ircon

Headquartered in Santa Cruz, Calif., Ircon has joined with Raytek to offer a complete IR solution, including the industry's most complete line of infrared sensors, linescanners and process imaging systems. Raytek, a Fluke company, is the worldwide leader in noncontact temperature measurement. Raytek designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of infrared (IR) temperature measurement instruments for industrial, maintenance and quality control applications. Raytek distributes its products worldwide with subsidiaries located in Europe and China. For more information, visit http://www.raytek.com or http://www.ircon.com

— WebWireID108145 —

* Syngenta to supply Makhteshim Agan with azoxystrobin
* Capacity expansion responding to growth in demand
* Leveraging low cost production

Syngenta and Makhteshim Agan today announced a long term agreement under which Syngenta will supply Makhteshim Agan with its fungicide azoxystrobin. The agreement will offer growers a wider choice of solutions through the distribution channels of both companies.

Syngenta will continue to expand the sales of its azoxystrobin based fungicide solutions while Makhteshim Agan will develop and commercialize its own range of products based on azoxystrobin, mainly in mixtures with its existing fungicide portfolio.

'Azoxystrobin plays a critical role in responding to growing food demand by increasing the yield and quality of grain, vegetable and fruit crops around the world,' said John Atkin, Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Crop Protection. 'Last year we announced a capacity expansion program for azoxystrobin anticipating further growth in our unique fungicide solutions and also potential demand from third parties. The outlook for the development of our own portfolio is strong and this agreement will enable us further to leverage our outstanding low cost production.'

The active ingredient azoxystrobin, developed by Syngenta, is the world's best selling fungicide. Azoxystrobin, which belongs to the strobilurin chemical group, has a broad spectrum of fungicidal activity and is now registered for use on approximately 120 different crops in some 100 countries.

Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com or www.growmorefromless.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

— WebWireID108112 —

Los Alamitos, CA

BTEX is an acronym for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. They are all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in petroleum hydrocarbons. Contamination of soil and groundwater from BTEX has occurred at petroleum and natural gas production areas, gas stations and areas with underground and above-ground storage tanks of petroleum products. The compounds are also produced in large scale by industry for industrial use as solvents and for manufacturing materials such as plastics and pesticides.

All four VOCs can cause significant health effects. Benzene is a colorless liquid that readily evaporates into the air or can dissolve in water. Exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and can lead to anemia and leukemia. Toluene is also a colorless liquid that is found in crude oil and from the gasoline manufacturing process, it is reported to damage the nervous system.

Exposure to ethylbenzene can cause eye and throat irritation and dizziness. Animal studies have shown exposure can cause hearing damage and kidney damage in test animals. High levels of exposure to xylene, for short or long periods, can cause dizziness, confusion, balance problems and headaches. It has also been shown to cause eye and respiratory problems and possible changes to the liver and kidneys.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading environmental testing laboratory, has been offering testing solutions for BTEX and other VOCs to help protect people and the environment. The company provides a complete suite of testing methods including TO-15, NIOSH 1500/1501 and OSHA 07.

'Contamination from BTEX compounds is all too familiar around locations with petroleum products,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'LA Testing has the technical resources and expertise to help environmental health and safety professionals test for these dangerous compounds,' Sublasky continued.

To learn more about BTEX and other VOC testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID108016 —

DES MOINES, Iowa, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced it has joined the Iowa State University (ISU) Corn and Soybean Initiative to provide science-based crop production information to Iowa corn and soybean growers to increase their productivity and global competitiveness while also conserving the environment.

'As climatic, pest and disease pressures continue to change, it is critical for public and private sectors to work together to provide information to help maximize productivity,' said Judd O'Connor, Pioneer business director for Iowa and Missouri. 'We are proud to build on our long tradition of collaboration with Iowa State University with this important initiative.'

The Corn and Soybean Initiative Leaving Pioneer.com is a collaborative effort between ISU and the agricultural industry that focuses on research and dissemination of best management practices. Through this partnership, Pioneer will help advise ISU's on-farm research programs and will provide support for certain ISU research activities. Pioneer will also help deliver ISU corn and soybean research information to growers.

'Iowa State University and Pioneer have worked together on crop issues for many years,' said Greg Tylka, coordinator of the initiative and professor of plant pathology. 'ISU's Corn and Soybean Initiative is delighted to formalize a partnership with Pioneer to generate and deliver research-based corn and soybean production information for growers throughout the state of Iowa.'

A recent survey by Iowa State University found that the vast majority of growers identify private-sector crop advisors as their main source of information. Most private-sector crop advisors identify ISU as their primary source for information. The cornerstone of this initiative is the partnership between ISU's research and extension faculty and staff with consultants, trade associations, agricultural media and agribusinesses including Pioneer to help broaden the reach of ISU research, extension and educational resources.

In addition to providing information, the Corn and Soybean Initiative seeks input from growers and companies like Pioneer to anticipate future research areas that will impact corn and soybean production.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

— WebWireID108024 —

— WebWireID108009 —

"We are committed to enhancing transparency and facilitating investors' understanding of our Company, our businesses and, most importantly, how we plan to continue executing our strategy," said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer. "In this Databook, stockholders will find key drivers of profitability and market success for all of our business units, as well as our approach to innovation, sustainability, joint ventures and geographic reach, and how all these elements will drive earnings growth in the future."

The new Databook is a fundamental go-to source in understanding the growth potential of each of Dow's new operating segments.

For each segment, Dow has provided the following key information:

* Selected pro forma financial information
* Sales by geography and key industries
* Profitability and growth drivers
* Innovation and new product examples
* Major plants, locations, and key competitors by business unit

Investors and other interested parties can download a copy at www.dow.com.

To receive the Databook in print form, via postal mail, please email Dow Literature Services at literatureservices@dow.com with your shipping address. Reference document number 161-00741 in the email.

Or call Dow Investor Relations toll free at 1-800-422-8193 or (989) 636-1463.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the 'Human Element' to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. 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.

— WebWireID108003 —

The role played by Wacker Metroark Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. in the Group's distribution network is to oversee all sales and marketing activities concerning silicone products on the Indian subcontinent. In recent years, the company has experienced above-average growth exceeding 20 percent a year.
'Wacker Metroark Chemicals is ideally positioned, thanks to its high product quality, excellent service and committed team of experts,' said Dr. Wilhelm Sittenthaler, a member of Wacker Chemie AG's Executive Board, at a ceremony to mark the joint venture's tenth anniversary. Dr. Sittenthaler also said, he sees further growth potential in the years ahead, too. 'Having recently expanded our Mumbai office, which now includes a new technical center, we are well prepared for any future challenges facing the Indian market. Wacker Metroark Chemicals is thus able to offer its customers even more effective local support than before during the development of new products and customized applications.'

Today, Wacker Metroark Chemicals – with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai as well as in Dhaka (Bangladesh) – operates in the Indian subcontinent's major commercial centers. Key markets are the textile, personal-care, automotive, construction, coatings, plastics, adhesives and packaging sectors. Additionally, the company markets WACKER silicone sealants, silanes and pyrogenic silica in India. The workforce in India has virtually doubled over the last five years. Wacker Metroark Chemicals' current workforce in India numbers over 130 employees.

— WebWireID107989 —

Back-ventilated curtain facades extending to the high-rise building limit can now be efficiently thermally insulated with expandable polystyrene (EPS). This innovation became possible thanks to insulation materials made from Neopor®, the EPS from BASF. The Swiss insulation material manufacturer swisspor uses Neopor in its patented facade system swisspor Lambda Vento for back-ventilated curtain facades. The system with insulation panels made from Neopor is approved by the German Institute for Construction Technology, Berlin, and offers considerably better thermal insulation (λR = 0.031 or 0.032 W/m*K) than conventional systems, is impervious to moisture and can be used in the renovation of older buildings and the construction of new ones.

Space-saving, with few heat bridges and easy to assemble

The compact and space-saving structure can be fitted up to the high-rise building limit (22.5 meters) as the fire protection which is prescribed here is guaranteed by fire locks and fire barriers on each story. Compared with conventional back-ventilated curtain facades with mineral wool, the system from swisspor is impervious to moisture and thus dimensionally stable, resistant to ageing and rot-proof. The Neopor insulation panels have a tongue and groove all the way round and, along with the spacer bolts which are placed at regular points and fix the sub-structure, they form a structure which is effectively free of any heat bridges.

The multilayer outer wall structure – consisting of insulation panels, a wooden substructure with air gap, and outer cladding – can be assembled quickly, safely, and easily. The insulation panels, which are approved in thicknesses of up to 200 mm, can be cut and processed by hot wire without any dust or waste. They are secured to the substructure with insulation material holders, and so do not have to be glued. This means that the facade can be completely deconstructed if necessary, the components are therefore reusable or recyclable.

This facade structure provides plenty of design possibilities for individual, aesthetic and at the same time weather-resistant cladding for facades, e.g. eternity facade panels and plaster support plates with different coatings.

In Germany, the system will be presented for the first time at BASF's stand during the dena congress "zukunft haus 2009" ("future house 2009") taking place from November 24 to 25 in Berlin. At present, the Anne Frank day nursery in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is undergoing high-quality refurbishment as part of the dena project 'Efficient homes' (acc. to German Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) 2007 for new buildings: -40%). Two facades were designed as a back-ventilated curtain facade using the swisspor Lambda Vento system.

Insulation material for energy-efficient applications

Neopor is an advanced version of the classic white insulation material Styropor®. BASF manufactures the black, expandable beads from polystyrene. Processors foam up the beads and process them into silver-gray blocks and molded parts for various applications, in particular for insulating buildings. Insulation materials made from Neopor are silver-gray because they contain finely distributed graphite particles which act like miniature mirrors reflecting the thermal radiation and thus reducing heat losses. The insulating effect is thus increased by up to 20 percent. This saves heating costs and enhances the value of buildings in an environmentally friendly way.

— WebWireID107913 —

Los Alamitos, CA

In a landmark case a woman has been granted disability benefits for mold-related injuries. The Social Security Administration judge in the case accepted expert medical testimony that linked physical and cognitive injuries to mold exposures.

In February of 2007 the woman was temporarily sent to the U.S. Virgin Islands by her employer for a work assignment. The employer provided housing to the retail sales manager for her stay on the islands. The woman claimed that exposure to mold in the residence caused her a number of health problems including memory loss, excessive fatigue and a hypersensitivity to various chemicals making her incapable of being able to continue to work.

Medical experts hired by the woman have testified that she suffers mold mycotoxicosis that has resulted in immune toxicity and encephalopathy. The judge in the case ruled in favor of the woman who is now eligible for disability benefits.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading indoor air quality (IAQ) testing laboratory, has been on the forefront of providing testing solutions for property owners and environmental professionals facing IAQ problems. The company provides a complete suite of testing services for mold, bacteria, mycotoxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other indoor contaminants.

'This landmark case really brings to light the damaging effects of mold and mycotoxin exposure,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'With increased awareness of the dangers of mold exposure many of these cases could potentially be averted,' Sublasky continued.

LA Testing has made a series of educational tools available at their website to educate people about the dangers of mold and other indoor air quality contaminants. These tools are available free to the public and environmental and healthcare professionals. To learn more about mold and other indoor air quality testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

— WebWireID107829 —

The unit started up as initially planned. With a nameplate capacity of 750,000 tonnes of MEG per annum, it is one of the largest in the world, reinforcing Shell's ambitions to maintain a leading position in the expanding Asian petrochemicals market.

The Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex also includes a new 800,000 tonnes per annum ethylene cracker, a butadiene plant and modifications to Shell's Bukom refinery, which are planned to start up in early 2010.

Mark Williams, Shell Downstream Director, said: 'The commissioning of the MEG plant is a significant step towards the completion in early 2010 of the Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex in Singapore (SEPC). SEPC is our largest investment in Singapore and our largest petrochemicals investment to date, reinforcing our intention to continue to grow our Chemicals business selectively and to anticipate the needs of our customers in Asia.'

'When SEPC is fully operational,' Williams continued, 'it will be our biggest, fully-integrated refinery and petrochemicals hub, from which we will enjoy economic and efficiency benefits in terms of feedstocks, operations and logistics.'

The Singapore MEG plant marks another technology first for Shell. It is the first time Shell is using its award-winning OMEGA processing technology. The OMEGA process gives the highest commercial yields of MEG from ethylene.'

The new plant is on Jurong Island in Singapore, an ideal location to serve Asian customers from within the region. Asia currently accounts for around 70 per cent of global MEG consumption and much of the new capacity will be destined for China where the demand for MEG continues to grow.

Notes to editors

MEG is a vital ingredient for polyester fibres and film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins and engine coolants. End uses range from clothing and packaging to kitchenware and antifreeze.

The annual output from the MEG plant could make more than two million tonnes of polyester, enough to manufacture 6.7 billion polyester shirts – more shirts than there are people in the world.

The Shell OMEGA (Only MEG-Advantaged) process gives the highest commercial yields of MEG from ethylene. OMEGA plants also consume less steam; wastewater production is much lower; and the capital cost for a new OMEGA plant is about 10 per cent less than for a traditional plant with the same MEG capacity. CO2 emissions are also significantly reduced per tonne of MEG produced.

Cautionary note
The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release 'Shell', 'Shell group' and 'Royal Dutch Shell' are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words 'we', 'us' and 'our' are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ''Subsidiaries'', 'Shell subsidiaries' and 'Shell companies' as used in this press release refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as 'associated companies' or 'associates' and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as 'jointly controlled entities'. In this press release, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as 'equity-accounted investments'. The term 'Shell interest' is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 34% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''will'', ''seek'', ''target'', ''risks'', ''goals'', ''should'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Group's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov - opens in new window). These factors also should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, 17 November 2009. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this press release that SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov - opens in new window. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

— WebWireID107883 —

Located in the Nanjing Chemical Industrial Park, the new WACKER Nanjing site covers an area of 100,000 square meters. First phase investment of this fully integrated world-class production complex which serves the entire product line from vinyl acetate ethylene dispersions to dispersible powders is over 50 million euros. WACKER already has a staff of nearly 100 employees at its Nanjing facility. Along with WACKER's dryer plant in Burghausen, Germany, the Nanjing plant is the largest of its kind in the world.
WACKER has been producing polymer powders and dispersions for the construction industry for more than 50 years. VINNAPAS® polymer powders are thermoplastic, plasticizer-free polymers derived primarily from vinyl acetate and ethylene. It was in 1957 that WACKER chemists first succeeded in industrially manufacturing the first powder binder as an additive for dry-mortar mixes. Today, WACKER POLYMERS is a global market and technology leader in the field of vinyl acetate-based copolymers and terpolymers.

China's growing demand for VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powders is chiefly due to the need for dependable, lightweight and energy-efficient building materials. Increasingly, Chinese houses are being lined with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). VINNAPAS® is a major component of the specialty mortars used in these systems. The dispersible polymer powder ensures that the individual layers which make up such systems are bonded together permanently.

'A secure and high quality supply of polymer powders is essential for the further development of China's fast growing construction industry and for China's tremendous efforts to save energy', explained Auguste Willems, Member of Wacker Chemie AG's Executive Board. 'This new site will not only provide a reliable supply chain backbone for WACKER POLYMERS in China over the next years with an increasingly competitive cost position and flexibility to better meet the local market demands. It will also enable us to provide our customers with first-class locally manufactured products and solutions, helping them to address the needs of their respective customers even better than in the past', Willems said.

In addition to EIFS, the dispersible polymer powders can be used in diverse building applications such as tile adhesives, self-leveling flooring compounds, plasters, repair mortars, water-proofing cementitious sealing slurries. They enhance important properties in the end product, such as adhesion, cohesion, flexibility and flexural strength. Water retention, processing properties and weatherability also benefit from VINNAPAS®. In China, from the Disney Land in Hong Kong to Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou, from the National Stadium in Beijing to Yincheng Dong Yuan Residential building in Nanjing, VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powders are widely used in modern architectures.

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'Hot100 status is becoming a much sought after designation and source of pride for companies across Tennessee,' noted Drew Ruble, editor of BusinessTN Magazine. 'This annual look at 100 fast-growing, emerging companies to watch in the Volunteer State and the individuals leading them should be required reading for any businessperson in Tennessee. The list provides a snapshot of some of the firms yielding the job growth and innovations that are keeping Tennessee's economy going.'

BusinessTN's Hot100 is BusinessTN magazine's annual look at Tennessee companies on a roll. Fast-growing, emerging or in some cases, simply full of promise, they represent some of the best Tennessee has to offer in terms of entrepreneurial vision and growth. From startups to more established companies like Lectrus whose mature growth is remarkable, this patchwork of companies-big and small, highly profitable and increasingly profitable, full of dreams or realizing their dreams-is perhaps best described as a list of "companies to watch." Selection is based on numerous factors, ranging from revenue and employee growth, growth as compared to industry average, and projected growth among other criteria. In sum, the second annual Hot100 spotlights companies that are enriching the local and regional economies, providing jobs and fueling the Volunteer State's entrepreneurial culture. These businesses speak volumes about the value of free enterprise-especially amid today's challenging economic times.

Lectrus Corporation, formerly Metal Systems and MSI Equipment Centers, is the leading electrical systems integrator in the US, engineering, fabricating and installing equipment centers, operator centers and custom enclosures that protect complex electrical power and control systems in all kinds of business sectors—oil and gas, power, hydro, industrial. Lectrus' operations in Chattanooga and Houston cover more than 50 acres and employ over 350 people. For more about Lectrus, visit www.lectrus.com.

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The Exact Flow technical tips describe end-user considerations for turbine flow meters, which offer advantages such as: exceptional precision and repeatability, fast response time (typically a few milliseconds), wide flow range options for both single and multiple viscosity calibrations, combined with installation flexibility and associated digital readout devices including flow computers with control options for PCs, PLCs, etc.

Tech Tip topics on the Exact Flow website include:

• Turbine Helical Dual-rotor Performance
• Flow Range Affect on Cost and Performance
• Importance of Fluid Properties
• Operating Temperature Range vs. Turbine Meter Costs
• Passivation of Austenitic Stainless Steels
• Secured Internals: Key to Repeatability

The advanced Exact Flow dual-rotor design provides extended performance not obtainable with traditional single-rotor turbine meters. This design enhances Universal Viscosity Curves (UVCs) and extends the usable flow measurement range. The meters offer other significant benefits such as bearing diagnostics, improved accuracy, pressure compensation, long-life ceramic bearings and high-shock internals.

Additional benefits are found in the use of helical rotors for both dual- and single-rotor turbine flow meters, which optimize energy transfer over the entire surface of the blade, enhancing speed of response to step changes in flow rate. Helical rotors also produce less pressure drop across the meter, as compared with the traditional flat-bladed rotor design. This reduction, translated into force, reduces bearing wear, allowing the meter to maintain its original calibration over a longer period of time.
For more information, visit www.exactflow.com, e-mail sales@exactflow.com, or call (480) 948-3789.

About Exact Flow

Exact Flow, based in Scottsdale, Arizona USA, is the only supplier of innovative dual-rotor turbine flowmeter technology, delivering unique designs to meet the application requirements of the aerospace, industrial, automotive and OEM markets. Exact Flow's primary focus is to enhance customer value by specializing in advanced embedded electronics, multiple process variable measurements and unique packaging, which minimizes the need for additional sensors and installation expense. Learn more at http://www.exactflow.com.

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BASF is now offering a new biodegradable plastic. It goes by the name Ecovio® FS and it has joined the existing Ecovio product line. BASF has optimized this new plastic for two specific applications: for coating paper and for manufactur­ing so-called shrink films, which serve to easily wrap packaged goods. For this reason, the first two new plastic types are called Ecovio FS Paper and Ecovio FS Shrink Film. The new plastic has been presented to a technical audience for the first time at this year's conference of the European Bioplastics Association beginning of November. Sample material is already available. Initial production tests at customers' facilities have been successful. Introduction into the market at large is scheduled for the first quarter of 2010.

Biodegrading even more quickly

As has been demonstrated in recent composting experiments, the new Ecovio FS biodegrades even more rapidly than its predecessors, and it has a higher content of renewable raw materials. 'Ecovio FS consists of the likewise new, now bio-based Ecoflex® FS (a biodegradable polyester made by BASF) and of PLA (polylactic acid), which is extracted from corn starch. The use of the new Ecoflex FS raises the proportion of bio-based material in Ecovio FS Shrink Film to 66% and that of Ecovio FS Paper to a full 75%,' explains Jürgen Keck, who heads BASF's global business with biodegradable plastics.

Paper cups and packaging film: high-performance counts

The experts who developed the new Ecovio FS focused on the properties that are required of these special applications. 'In order to obtain effective paper coatings, a film made of the new Ecovio FS Paper has to be easy to process and exhibit good adhesion to the paper, even when applied in thin lay­ers. Such coatings are used, for example, on paper cups or cardboard boxes,' explains Gabriel Skupin, who is in charge of technical product development for biodegradable plastics. Ecovio FS Shrink Film, in contrast, has a selected ratio of shrinkage to strength, so that its mechanical load capacity at a film thickness of merely 25 micrometers is greater than that of a conventional polyethylene film that is 50 micrometers thick.

We want to become more specialized

With this new product family, BASF's experts for biodegradable plastics are further expanding their assortment. The company is aiming to become more specialized in this realm, so as to meet the requirements of very specific market segments. This is reflected in the nomenclature, which will comprise three ele­ments. The first stands for the processing technology – in this case, F for 'film'. The second, S, stands for 'special' and indicates that the new bio-based Eco­flex FS is present. The actual application itself forms the third element of the name such as, for instance, Paper or Shrink Film. 'This consistent designation method, which will be implemented early next year together with the new prod­ucts, illustrates the broad potential we anticipate for technically advanced bio­degradable products in this market, which has become very diversified,' explains Andreas Künkel, head of BASF's market development for new bio­degradable plastic products.

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* MIR162 corn and Bt11xGA21 stacked corn receive approvals
* Brazilian growers to gain increased competitiveness and productivity
* Further strengthens Syngenta portfolio in Brazilian market

Syngenta announced today that its genetically modified corn traits MIR162 and Bt11xGA21 are now fully approved for cultivation in Brazil. This follows the approval by the National Biosafety Committee and the thirty day clearance period. The approval of these advanced technologies will offer Brazilian growers increased productivity, higher grain quality and reduced production costs.

'These approvals reinforce Syngenta's leading position in technology and innovation, strengthen our portfolio of solutions and will enable Brazilian growers to increase their efficiency and global competitiveness, said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer Seeds.

The efficacy and broad spectrum of MIR162 make it the most advanced technology available today to control the fall army worm, the main insect threat to corn in Brazil. The stacked corn trait Bt11xGA21 offers higher value and convenience for growers through combined insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com or www.growmorefromless.com.

Syngenta Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefore.

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The deal will bring key technological know-how and significant synergy potential to AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, as well as enhancing the company's position in the US.

The powder coatings activities were purchased by Dow earlier this year as part of its acquisition of Rohm & Haas. This business achieves global sales of several hundred million dollars and employs around 700 people.

'This is a strategic acquisition which will enable us to further penetrate key industrial coatings segments,' explained Leif Darner, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Performance Coatings. 'By adding new powder technologies to our extensive portfolio we will be even better equipped to lead the way in meeting the increasing demand for innovative products with strong environmental profiles.'

Operating powder coatings factories in the US, Europe and China, Rohm & Haas developed several important new technologies – especially for the automotive and architectural segments – while the deal will also add MDF and thermoplastic capabilities to AkzoNobel's existing expertise.

'Our intention is to move towards a more dedicated approach, whereby sites concentrate on specific technologies,' added Rob Molenaar, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. 'These planned manufacturing enhancements and synergies will deliver improved operational efficiency and ultimately enable us to better serve our customers worldwide.'

Powder coatings offer an attractive alternative to liquid coatings due to the fact that they are inherently sustainable because they contain no solvents and have application efficiency levels as high as 99 percent.
The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2010, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Consultations with employee representatives will be held as and when appropriate.

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Pasadena, CA

An extended epidemiological analysis was recently released by the nonprofit Health Effects Institute. The analysis was conducted by scientists at the University of Ottawa for the institute which was created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the industries it regulates to create unbiased studies.

The scientists reviewed existing studies with links between soot particles and premature deaths related to cardiovascular diseases. The findings showed that the mortality rate for those people exposed to the tiny soot particles was double the rate previously believed.

The analysis covered 116 American cities and compiled data from 500,000 people. Some areas with the highest soot levels included the eastern suburbs of Los Angeles and California's Central Valley. A review of the data found that the risks of having conditions that are a precursor to fatal heart attacks for people in areas with high levels of soot increases by 24% as particle concentrations increase.

Soot is a general term that refers to impure carbon particles that result from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is produced by a number of sources including coal fired power plants, oil refineries, diesel engines, waste incinerators, forest fires and furnaces to name a few sources.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical, is a leading provider of soot, carbon black and combustible by-product laboratory analysis. 'The number of Americans that live in urban areas or near industrial areas with elevated soot levels is enormous,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. 'LA Testing provides expert analysis for soot to ensure those most at risk in our society can have the air they breathe tested to ensure they are not subjecting themselves to unnecessary risks,' Sublasky concluded.

To learn more about soot and other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 303-0047.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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