Category: Basic Materials

Cereplast, Inc. Strikes Deal with RI.ME. Masterbatch to Supply Bioplastics Resins for European Market

Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERP) (“Cereplast,” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, announced today that it has entered into a multi-million dollar contract with RI.ME. Masterbatch S.r.l., (“RI.ME.”) based in Mozzate (CO), Italy, to supply bioplastic resins for use in its masterbatch process for adding colorant to bulk, uncolored resins. The new agreement supports RI.ME.’s commitment to offering its customers sustainable, environmental solutions in the design and production of masterbatches.

“We are excited that RI.ME. has chosen Cereplast to provide bioplastic resins for use in its masterbatching process for its clients throughout Europe,” said Mr. Frederic Scheer, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast, Inc. “This was made possible by RI.ME.’s success in using our materials in its masterbatching process, and by the excellent performance of Cereplast resins on extrusion lines designed for HDPE, LDPE or PVC without any kind of technical investments.

RI.ME. is a leader in designing and developing masterbatches suitable for coloration and with any type of thermoplastic resin. This is a significant contract for Cereplast and we are honored to work with RI.ME., who is promoting increased market awareness and adaption of bioplastic/compostable solutions in Europe and helping us to increase our presence in this important geographic market.”

Under the terms of the contract, Cereplast will supply its Compostable 3000 film grade for use in RI.ME.’s masterbatching processes for the production of items such as carry out bags and compostable trash bags. This film is designed to have an excellent balance of puncture strength, toughness, and can be processed on existing blown film extrusion machines. Cereplast Compostable 3000 is a proprietary patented formulation which includes Ingeo PLA and a copolyester from BASF. Cereplast will begin shipping its bio resins in September 2010 and is currently in discussions to extend the contract on other RI.ME. product lines. The initial contract runs through December, 2011.

"Our contract with Cereplast enables us to address growing consumer and industrial demand for environmentally-friendly plastic products," commented Mr. Alberto Cattaneo, CEO of RI.ME. "We currently supply biodegradable colors to more than 150 of our customers. This collaborative agreement expands our product offering and strengthens our position as a leading designer and developer of masterbatches throughout Europe."

About Cereplast, Inc.

Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics which are used as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with petroleum-based plastics. On the cutting-edge of bio-based plastic material development, Cereplast now offers resins to meet a variety of customer demands. Cereplast Compostables® Resins are ideally suited for single use applications where high bio-based content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Hybrid Resins® combine high bio-based content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics and packaging. Learn more at www.cereplast.com.

About RI.ME. Masterbatch S.r.l.

RI.ME. Masterbatch S.r.l., located in Mozzate (CO), Italy, is a leader in researching and production of masterbatches that are suitable for coloration and the addition of any kind of thermoplastic resin. A “masterbatch” is a process of adding colorant to bulk, uncolored resin. RI.ME. Masterbatch specializes in masterbatches for mono and multifilament chemical fibers and in extensive “color research” to ensure that every masterbatch is produced according to its customers’ specifications. The company produces masterbatches that are “tailor made” and has the technical capability to solve and meet any customer request. For more information on RI.ME. Masterbatch and its capabilities, please visit www.rimemasterbatch.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.

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Cereplast Investor Relations Contact:
IRTH Communications, LLC
Andrew W. Haag
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Cereplast Media Contact:
Trontz Public Relations
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212-293-9051
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Company Contact:
Cereplast, Inc.
Nicole Cardi
310-615-1900 ext. 154
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