Rohm and Haas Company announced it has embarked on a comprehensive journey to develop and implement strategic, sustainable development practices across all areas of its businesses and operations.

In launching this initiative, the company has formed a partnership with the international non-profit organization, The Natural Step International.

The Natural Step is a leading global research, education and advisory organization that specialize in developing systematic, science-based approaches for organizations to become more sustainable.

Through participation in its Core Funding Partner Program, The Natural Step will assist Rohm and Haas Co. in incorporating sustainable objectives in all of its business, research and development, and operating practices.

“This partnership with The Natural Step will be a catalyst for further sustainable product innovation, business management practices and corporate leadership, and will build on our existing commitment to apply the principles of Sustainable Development and Green Chemistry to develop innovative technologies to address critical societal needs, such as more environmentally friendly building and construction products, technologies to improve the accessibility of potable water, greater abundance and higher quality agriculture crops, and innovative solutions to meet growing energy needs," said Raj L. Gupta, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Rohm and Haas Co. "We are excited that this partnership will help us establish a leadership position in addressing critical sustainable needs.”

The announcement of a formal partnership between Rohm and Haas and The Natural Step is the most recent milestone in a shared mission to bring sustainable development to the forefront of the chemical industry.

As part of its commitment, Rohm and Haas is sponsoring a distance-learning program centered on The Natural Step principles, aimed at equipping professionals in the chemical industry with the knowledge to implement meaningful change at their individual companies.

The company’s Packaging and Building Materials business has already begun working with The Natural Step and a key customer, Hydro Polymers, to drive sustainable practices in the product development and commercial areas of that business. In August 2007, The Natural Step and Hydro Polymers presented Rohm and Haas with the 2007 Hydro Sustainability Award for its performance and efforts in sustainability.

Leaders from Rohm and Haas and The Natural Step will work closely together throughout 2008 to identify opportunities to integrate sustainable development into the company’s daily business and operations management.

The Rohm and Haas Company initiatives will be led by Alan Barton, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, The Americas and includes an executive steering team of company leaders representing its global businesses, regions and support organizations.

More information, visit the Rohm and Haas sustainability webpage.

2/8/2008