Houston, Texas USA – 10 November 2004 —The International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers Inc. (IISRP) has posthumously named Ernest Zielasko as the recipient of its prestigious General Award. In addition, Hideo Takamatsu will be the recipient of Technical Award. The awards will be formally presented during the IISRP’s 46th Annual General Meeting in San Diego, California the week of 9 May 2005.

Mr. Ernest Zielasko, was the co-founder, editor and publisher of Rubber & Plastics News Magazine. He attended the University of Iowa before being drafted into military service. Afterwards, he finished his education with a B.A. in English from Ohio State University where upon his professional career began at B.F. Goodrich as a public relations writer.

Mr. Zielasko is being honored for his contribution to the IISRP for his public relations services for more than 15 years. During this time, he provided guidance in developing all of the IISRP’s communication documents. He was “behind the scene” in coordinating IISRP’s Annual General Meeting and an aid to the Managing Director in formulating communications policy.

Mr. Hideo Takamatsu joined Kuraray Co., Ltd in 1973 after graduation from Osaka University with a science degree. He was responsible for business development at the Kashima site Isoprene Research and Development Department. Later he became responsible for the development of Isoprene block copolymers.

Mr. Takamatsu holds a number of patents in Japan, U.S. and EU. His major contribution was process polymerization technology in hydrogenation of block copolymer, SEPS and SEBS, and the commercialization of these elastomers.

The IISRP is an international not-for-profit association with 41 corporate members domiciled in 20 countries who produce 95 percent of the world’s supply of synthetic rubber. Incorporated in 1960 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the Institute supports regional offices in London and Tokyo.