NTI Northern Technologies International

Strong sales for biodegradable and biobased plastics reflect the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics MINNEAPOLIS, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Northern Technologies International Corporation (AMEX:NTI) has recently launched a new business unit, Natur-Tec(TM). Natur-Tec biobased and biodegradable plastics are manufactured using NTI patented and/or proprietary technologies and are intended to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. The exceptionally broad Natur-Tec bioplastics portfolio spans flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded materials and engineered plastics. Natur-Tec biodegradable and compostable finished products, such as shopping and grocery bags, lawn and leaf bags, can liners, pet waste collection bags, cutlery, packaging foam and coated paper products, are engineered to be fully biodegradable in a composting environment. Unlike the competing plastic products claiming to be 'degradable' or 'oxo-degradable' that only break down into smaller plastic fragments, Natur-Tec products will completely biodegrade within 180 days in accordance with the ASTM D6400 standard for compostable plastics and are certified 100 percent biodegradable and compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. For more information, visit (http://www.bpiworld.org/). "The growing concern about oil use and plastic waste is translating into action," said Patrick Lynch, CEO of NTI. "We're proud to say that one solution to the global waste problem is coming right out of the Midwest. Companies everywhere are looking for ways to go green and Natur-Tec biodegradable and biobased products help them achieve those objectives." Whether it's a school district in Minnesota using Natur-Tec biodegradable bags for composting food waste, an Ohio-based company distributing millions of pieces of biodegradable cutlery or high-end hotel chains in Asia replacing conventional plastic bags with biodegradable bags, Natur-Tec products span the globe. Natur-Tec has already seen more than $300,000 in sales since test marketing began in early 2008, reflecting the growing demand among industry and consumers for environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Natur-Tec products are engineered using a proprietary blend of natural polymers and organic materials to create biobased and biodegradable plastics. These products do not contain any conventional plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene. Since Natur-Tec products are derived from renewable resources, they require less energy to manufacture and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants as compared to the production of conventional petroleum-derived plastics. By using Natur-Tec products as an alternative to conventional plastics, industry and consumers are able to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a zero carbon or carbon neutral footprint. For more information, visit http://www.natur-tec.com/. About Northern Technologies International Corporation Northern Technologies International Corporation (AMEX:NTI) focuses on developing, marketing and selling proprietary environmentally beneficial material science-based products and technical services via a network of independent distributors, manufacturers' representatives and joint ventures in over 50 countries. For more information, visit http://www.ntic.com/. DATASOURCE: Northern Technologies International Corporation CONTACT: Maria Surma Manka, +1-952-851-7244, , for Northern Technologies International Corporation; or Christina Oostdik of Northern Technologies International Corporation, +1-763-225-6632, Web site: http://www.ntic.com/ http://www.natur-tec.com/ http://www.bpiworld.org/

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