Dallas, Texas, USA (November 9, 2009) -- Celanese Emulsion Polymers and National Starch LLC have signed a global agreement for the marketing of high-performance starches into the glass fiber market. The agreement expands an existing arrangement between the companies through which Celanese has sold starches manufactured by National Starch for many years. This exclusive, long-term contract includes both specialty corn and potato based starches for global glass fiber applications specifically in sizing, tissues/veils and scrims. Through this relationship, National Starch will produce the starches while Celanese will market them through their extensive commercial and technical network in target global markets.

The agreement between Celanese Emulsions and National Starch is a deepening of the long-term strategic relationship between the two companies benefiting the global glass fiber industry. “National Starch has a long track record of developing starches that are tailor-made for specific applications and processes. Celanese is known for its industry knowledge, application expertise and global technical service. The goal of this partnership is to continue to bring value to our customers and to advance starch technology for the global glass fiber market for sizings, tissues/veils and scrims,” said Paolo Bavaj, Celanese market manager. “The National Starch starch line is a perfect complement to our broad portfolio of Vinamul® PVAc, vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), and acrylic-based emulsions for glass fiber sizing and secondary binder applications.

The high-performance starches for glass fiber applications are produced by the National Starch’s Biomaterials Division. “Our expectation is that this agreement will provide National with a strong growth platform in the glass fiber arena, especially in the rapidly expanding Asian region and China in particular,” said Kendrick H. Horn, National Starch Global Director for Biomaterials. “We are confident that partnering with Celanese will provide the sales and technical expertise customers require for their exacting needs. With a full compliment of starch-based solutions, we are well-positioned to support customers’ needs today, and with new starch-based developments down the line, I am confident of our ability to satisfy their requirements of tomorrow,”

The agreement between National Starch and Celanese is effective as of November 1st, 2009.

About the Emulsion Polymers Business of Celanese

The Emulsion Polymers business of Celanese is a global leader in developing products and application technology to improve performance, create value and drive innovation in a broad range of industrial and consumer end-use applications including adhesives, coatings, engineered fabrics, glass fibers, paper, textiles and more. The business has manufacturing facilities worldwide and is supported by expert technical service regionally. More information about the Emulsions Polymers business of Celanese is available at www.celanese-emulsions.com.

About the Biomaterials Business of National Starch

National Starch, a leading global supplier of specialty starches, develops, makes and markets nature-based, functional and nutritional ingredients. Its specialty biomaterials deliver sensorial, performance and processing benefits along with improved levels of sustainability in a wide array of consumer goods and industrial applications. National Starch's deep understanding of technologies, customers, and product design allows it to develop new synergies by connecting ideas and people from around the world.

For further information on this news release, please contact:

Tom Nicolay, Resource Advantage Group for Celanese Emulsion Polymers

Tel.: +1 973 882 1313
tnicolay@resourceadvantage.com
www.resourceadvantage.com

Marc Green for National Starch Biomaterials

Tel: +1 908 685 5228
marc.green@nationalstarch.com