New PolyOne Technology Improves Brand Protection and Reduces Counterfeits for Consumer Electronics

August 13, 2014

CLEVELAND - PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, has announced that its Versaflex™ soft-touch materials for consumer electronics are now available in combination with its Percept™ Authentication Technologies.

PolyOne's newly available formulation of technologies can help companies combat counterfeiting and reduce the risks associated with fraudulent goods such as phone cases, smart watches, headphones, earbuds and other wearable electronics.

"When designing innovative consumer products, it is extremely important to protect brand equity and still deliver the performance and aesthetic characteristics that the end consumer desires," said Walter Ripple, vice president and general manager for PolyOne's thermoplastic elastomer business, GLS. "Our new solution meets both those objectives, by joining PolyOne's Percept anti-counterfeiting ability with the soft-touch, performance, and durability benefits of Versaflex."

"In 2013, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security logged $145 million worth of counterfeit consumer electronics entering the country, and PolyOne's material was developed to help counteract the trend," Mr. Ripple added.

Percept technologies can be tailored to a wide variety of processing conditions, end-use applications, and authentication techniques based on overt, covert, or forensic-based approaches. These solutions enable companies to readily identify counterfeit products with easy-to-use methods based on additives and unique identifiers called taggants.

"This is a great example of PolyOne's unique ability to collaborate within our businesses. By doing so, we leverage our expansive solutions portfolio to create new technologies and add exceptional value to customers," added Robert M. Patterson, president and chief executive officer, PolyOne Corporation.

About Counterfeit Consumer Electronics

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2013, consumer electronics accounted for 20 percent of intellectual property rights seizures – second only to apparel (IPR Stats). In addition, a private sector 2013 study (Canon Study) indicated that a significant percentage of U.S. consumers lack a full understanding of the possible safety risks and the true long-term costs of counterfeit electronics.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with 2013 revenues of $3.8 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. The company is dedicated to serving customers in diverse industries around the globe, by creating value through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Guided by its Core Values, Sustainability Promise and No Surprises PledgeSM, PolyOne is committed to its customers, employees, communities and shareholders through ethical, sustainable and fiscally responsible principles. For more information, visit www.polyone.com.

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Caption: Combining Percept™ Authentication Technologies with Versaflex™ CE for consumer electronics can help brand owners combat the risks of fraudulent goods.

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Media contact
Sandy Wagner
Marketing Communications Manager
PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers
+1 815-385-8500
sandy.wagner@avient.com