HOUSTON, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (NYSE: "KRA"), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers or "SBCs," plans to discuss its new  slush molding product technology for Automotive Instrument Panel soft skin applications during a presentation at the Society of Plastics Engineers' Automotive TPO Engineered Polyolefins Global Conference in Troy, Michigan, on October 1, 2012.

Dr. Troy Wiegand, a staff scientist at Kraton Polymers, is scheduled to present findings in a paper, entitled "New Slush Molding Technology for Soft Skin Applications," and will highlight Kraton™ ST5100, a new proprietary compound series positioned for use in next generation TPEs in the slush molding process. The features and benefits of the Kraton ST5100 series solution will be discussed, including opportunities for customers to address unmet needs including significant weight reduction, improved haptics, recyclability, and sustainability.   The paper represents the technical introduction of a new alternative to PVC and TPU solutions traditionally used in this application space.

Dr. Wiegand is scheduled to speak during the Automotive Interiors Trims and Skins session from 11:00-11:30 a.m. in Salon A at the Detroit Marriott Troy on October 1, 2012.  To register for the event, please visit the conference website.  For further information about Kraton's slush molding technology using Kraton ST5100, or to schedule a personal interview, please contact Marcie Coronado, Marketing Communications Manager, at 281-504-4975, or Marcie.coronado@kraton.com.

About Kraton Polymers

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries, is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and styrenic block copolymers ("SBCs"), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us almost fifty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Our polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. We currently offer approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in over 60 countries worldwide, and are the only SBC producer with manufacturing and service capabilities on four continents. We manufacture products at five plants globally, including our flagship plant in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants in Germany, France and Brazil, and a joint venture plant operated in Japan.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements," which are statements other than statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans" or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, anticipated performance, plans or intentions, including statements of anticipated product performance. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in "Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors" contained in our Annual Report on 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and as subsequently updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We hereby make reference to all such filings for all purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update such information.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, Cariflex, Nexar and the "Giving Innovators their Edge" tagline are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

© Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. 2012.  All rights reserved.

For Further Information:
Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.
Media: Marcie Coronado +1-281-504-4975
Investors: H. Gene Shiels +1-281-504-4886

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SOURCE Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.