Degussa Engineered Carbons Sponsors ‘PlastiVan’ Visits To Local Schools  

Traveling exhibit teaches students the ‘chemistry of plastics’ with an emphasis on fun  

ARANSAS PASS, Texas, April 23, 2007 -- The “PlastiVan,” an internationally recognized educational program that provides students with a "hands-on" experience in the chemistry of plastics, comes to the Corpus Christi area to visit the Evans Special Emphasis Elementary School and the Charlie Marshall Elementary School.  

The educational school visits are sponsored by Degussa Engineered Carbons, LP (DEC) Aransas Pass site as part of the site’s “Essential to the Community” donation program.    

The “PlastiVan” is one of three “science on wheels” vans that travels throughout the United States teaching students, educators and the public about the chemistry, history, manufacturing and environmental issues involved with making plastics. The program is provided through the National Plastics Center & Museum in Leominster, Massachusetts. 

"The ‘PlastiVan’ program gives our students the opportunity to see real life science projects and helps reinforce many of the concepts and skills they are learning in the classroom” said Arnold Barrera, Principal, Evans Special Emphasis Elementary School.  

Ms. Naomi Hansen, Principal of the Charlie Marshall Elementary School, thanked DEC for bringing this educational program to local schools, adding.  “Science is the basis for our modern society and it’s vital we show children, in a fun and exciting way, the role chemistry plays.”  

“Sponsoring this program is an excellent way we can demonstrate our commitment to DEC’s ‘Essential to the Community’ program,” said Damon Denson, Manager of the Aransas Pass site. “The ‘PlastiVan’ program is an outstanding educational tool. It demonstrates, in an entertaining and creative way, the important role plastics play in our world. We are proud to sponsor these visits because they make children aware of how the products made by companies in our area are an essential part of their daily lives.”

During the lab sessions, the children participate in experiments that include "The Chemistry of the Disposable Diaper," making "slime" using liquid polymers and a laundry detergent among others.

“Students are made aware of how plastics are part of our every day lives in everything from grocery bags to lifesaving medical equipment.” said Marjorie Weiner, National Outreach Director of the National Plastics Center & Museum. “The first-hand observation and interaction leaves a lasting impression with students.”  

DEC - headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey and co-owned by Degussa AG – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Essen, Germany-based RAG Group - and Engineered Carbons Incorporated of Montvale, New Jersey produces and markets furnace grade carbon blacks for the rubber and pigment industries in North America and thermal blacks worldwide.  

Degussa: Creating Essentials™
Degussa -- a wholly owned subsidiary of the RAG Group -- is the global market leader in specialty chemicals. Our business is creating essentials: innovative products and system solutions that make indispensable contributions to our customers’ success. In fiscal 2005, our 44,000 employees worldwide generated sales of $13.9 billion and operating profits (EBIT) of $1.1 billion.