Rogers Introduces New PORON® ReSource Cushioning

Rogers Corporation, a global technology leader in specialty materials and components, announced that its PORON® ReSource Performance Cushioning material is now produced using 45.96% less petroleum-based polyols– over twice the amount used in its 1st generation material. PORON ReSource Cushioning is an open-cell, breathable, shock absorbing material that maintains all of the superior cushioning and performance benefits found throughout the entire line of PORON materials.

While Rogers maintains its commitment to serving the global marketplace with innovative products, the Company is also continuously working to improve the environmental impact of its products and business processes. As a result, all PORON materials are developed to be free of latex, PVC’s (polyvinyl chloride), VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and heavy metals.

Taking this commitment to environmental stewardship a step further, PORON ReSource Performance Cushioning is manufactured using a soy-based polyol, which replaces over 45% of the petroleum-based chemicals, and is carefully sourced through a partnership with a U.S. supplier working with The Nature Conservancy. This multi-tiered partnership works to ensure a balance of economic activities with conservation efforts in soybean farming regions. As a result, careful steps are taken to ensure that zero deforestation is occurring in the areas where soybeans are produced.

“The ongoing search for more sustainable material and processing advancements will continue at Rogers, where environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of our global business operations,” said Nicole Perry, Sr. Product Manager, Rogers Corporation. “We are our proud to introduce the next generation of PORON ReSource Cushioning to help our manufacturing partners reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing product quality or performance.”

The introduction of the next generation of PORON ReSource Cushioning comes at a time when customers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly characteristics built into the products they buy. For example, according to The Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company, the demand for bio-plastics is expected to increase to more than 900,000 metric tons in 2013 – four times the current level. Further, their most recent report (Sept 2009) stated that, “demand for soy chemicals in the plastic resins market is forecast to increase 14.1 percent per year to $365 million in 2013.”

The report continued, “growth will be stimulated by government and industry efforts to reduce dependence on offshore petroleum supplies while increasing use of renewable bio-based raw materials.” And concluded, “consumer demand for plastic products exhibiting better environmental profiles will also provide opportunities for soy chemicals in the production of various plastic resins.”

Available in a variety of densities and thicknesses to meet specific product design needs, PORON ReSource Material provides footwear and sporting goods manufacturers with a painless way to develop more environmentally friendly products without changing manufacturing processes or designs.

To learn more about PORON ReSource Cushioning and Rogers’ environmental commitment, including information about our implementation of the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2004) to achieve environmental excellence at all of our manufacturing operations worldwide, please visit www.rogerscorp.com/environment.

About PORON® Performance Cushioning
For over 40 years PORON® Cushioning has provided footwear, apparel, and protective equipment brands with a material that supports, protects, comforts, and most importantly, helps athletes stay in the race. PORON Cushioning products are durable yet flexible, so they will not wear or break down like other cushioning products. So, whether you need an insole that will last your next 50K or searching for a new helmet for the start of little league, look for the PORON Cushioning brand to insure you’re buying the best in quality and advanced technology.

About Rogers Corporation
Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global technology leader in specialty materials and components that enable high performance and reliability of consumer electronics, power electronics, mass transit, sustainable energy, and telecommunications infrastructure. With more than 175 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Rogers provides product designers with solutions to their most demanding challenges. Rogers’ products include advanced circuit materials for high-speed digital, power amplifiers, antenna and radar systems; power electronics for high-voltage rail traction, hybrid-electric vehicles, wind and solar power conversion; and high performance foams for sealing and energy management in smart phones, aircraft and rail interiors, automobiles and apparel; and other advanced materials for diverse markets including defense, consumer products, and computers. Headquartered in Connecticut (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, China, Germany, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide.
For more information, visit http://www.rogerscorp.com.

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