GLW Corning Inc

Dow Corning Stays Ahead of Europe's Latest 'Green' Laws Early Action Sets Standard for Global Electronics Supply Chain MIDLAND, Mich., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow Corning Corporation today announced its readiness for two new European Union environmental laws affecting the global electronics industry. The announcement comes as the laws are set to go into effect this week, requiring countries throughout Europe to implement strict mandates on electronic equipment waste and ban the use of lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous materials in electronics manufacturing. The new legislation, known as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives, becomes national law at European Union member states as of August 13, 2004. Manufacturers, however, have until July 1, 2006 to ensure that the banned substances are not present in new equipment sold into the market. Dow Corning products offered to this sector in Europe have been in compliance with the legislation since it was first proposed early last year. "Although WEEE and RoHS are European Union directives, the impacts on the electronics industry supply chain are global. For these companies, the cost of compliance grows exponentially as deadlines draw near," said Keith Huckle, global product steward and risk manager for Dow Corning. He also co-chairs the EU Chemicals Working Group of SEMI, a global trade association for manufacturers in and suppliers to the microelectronics and display industries. "Dow Corning understands the value of acting early, and we work with companies throughout the supply chain to stay ahead of deadlines. It's not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense. Customers benefit because they know they won't find themselves in a costly out-of-compliance situation with Dow Corning products." To ensure early compliance with the WEEE/RoHS directives, Dow Corning tracked the development of the legislation, educated raw materials suppliers about the pending changes and implemented product line adjustments as needed. The work is part of the company's Product Stewardship Program under which Dow Corning continuously monitors, prepares and plans for regulatory changes affecting its business, customers and partners throughout the supply chain. Product Stewardship is the ethical and responsible management of the environment, health and safety (EHS) aspects of a product throughout its life cycle, and the company's program is in direct alignment with the objectives of the WEEE/RoHS directives. Dow Corning's EHS practices have been so successful that the company began offering EHS and analytical testing services to companies last year. The move supports Dow Corning's goal to offer customers a full range of solutions, from specific materials to services that help customers achieve broader top-line business goals. About Dow Corning Dow Corning Corporation (http://www.dowcorning.com/electronics) is a globally integrated provider of materials, application technology and services, and is focused on providing innovative technology for all segments of the electronics industry. Dow Corning has development and applications centers strategically located throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. The centers offer advanced resources for electronics materials and services, and are staffed with experienced professionals who can provide technical support to customers locally. Dow Corning Corporation is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) and Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW). More than half of Dow Corning Corporation's sales are outside the United States. DATASOURCE: Dow Corning Corporation CONTACT: Don Piering of Dow Corning Corporation, +1-989-496-8972, or ; or Bruce Hokanson of Loomis Group, +1-360-574-4000, or , for Dow Corning Corporation Web Site: http://www.dowcorning.com/electronics

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