DSM expands production capacity for ®claryl picture glass by 50%

HEERLEN, NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - September 17, 2008) - Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in The Netherlands, today announces a major capacity expansion for its innovative picture glass ®claryl. Within a year after its launch, market demand for this innovative product has risen so quickly that DSM decided to build an additional oven at its manufacturing facility in Geleen, the Netherlands, increasing production capacity by 50%.

®claryl picture glass makes framed pictures clearer, emphasizes colors better and reduces the amount of reflection. It is produced in an energy-preserving coating process which supports DSM's ambitions to continuously improve the eco-efficiency of its processes. The new oven will be fully operational in the course of this month. From that moment on, three shifts will be producing ®claryl in a 24-hours a day operation.

Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer of DSM says: "Although the picture framing market is still dominated by regular glass, the explosive growth ®claryl has shown over the past year proves that it is a very promising product. The coating that makes ®claryl so unique can be used in other applications as well. The extra light transmission leads to higher energy output when applied to solar panels, for instance."

®claryl, currently available in fifteen countries in Europe, is the first commercial product in DSM's Functional Coating program that focuses on applying DSM's proprietary coating technology platform on various applications. Next to picture frames DSM is also working on other applications which include coatings for solar panels in order to improve their efficiency.

DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: