PolyOne's bopolymers help design ideas introduce its new...

PolyOne's bopolymers help design ideas introduce its new bio-based bathroom accessories

PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, will supply proprietary bio-based polymer compounds to Design Ideas Ltd., a world-leading innovator in home and office accessories, for Design Ideas’ EcoGenTM bathroom accessories.

This eco-friendly innovation debuted recently in Frankfurt, Germany at the Ambiente 2008 consumer goods fair.

PolyOne developed PHBV-based biopolymer compounds that Design Ideas uses to make EcoGen bathroom accessories in black, white, green and blue. PHBV (polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate copolymer) is a biodegradable resin derived from renewable resources such as corn.

EcoGen bathroom accessories combine the latest trends in interior decorating with global environmental solutions. The collection – comprising a toothbrush holder, bath box, bath cup, pump dispenser, soap dish and bath bin – offers consumers a sustainable solution with no compromise in style or quality.

"We chose to produce this new range of products from the most natural material we could find, without sacrificing performance,” said Andy Van Meter, chief executive officer of Design Ideas. “Producing new products in an environmentally sound way is core to our mission. In PolyOne, we found a reliable partner that was able to create an outstanding material solution.”

PolyOne offers an extensive range of additives and color concentrates for use with a broad range of biopolymers. The pigments and additives in these masterbatches and compounds are carefully chosen to meet industry requirements and official composting standards, while offering optimal coloration, processing and performance properties. PolyOne can work with specialized laboratories and certification organizations to help customers with the certification process.