Kraton Performance Polymers Inc, a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers announced the first commercial application of its NEXAR polymer technology.

"With the launch of Columbia Sportswear's latest cooling technology, the first commercial application of our NEXAR specialty polymer technology has been achieved," said Holger R. Jung, Kraton's Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

"As a leader in the performance apparel industry, Columbia Sportswear is known for pioneering the use of new and innovative technologies in its products. Our NEXAR polymer technology possesses unique performance attributes which we believe make it ideal for use in performance apparel," Jung added. "We believe that NEXAR also has application in humidification and dehumidification and water management processes, and we look forward to announcement of additional commercial applications for NEXAR in the future."

Kraton will highlight applications for its NEXAR polymer technology and will review other products and innovations at its 2012 Investor Day to be held on August 2, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park in New York.

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries, is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and, we believe, the world's largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us almost fifty years ago.

Omni-Freeze is a trademark of Columbia Sportswear North America Inc.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and the "Giving Innovators Their Edge" tagline are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.