FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2002

Atoglas expands Plexiglas® color changing acrylic sheet line: New sheet changes to blue or white based on lighting conditions

ORLANDO, FL, April 4, 2002 -- Atoglas today announced a new Plexiglas® acrylic translucent sheet that changes to a blue or white color, depending on backlighting and ambient light. Sign designers can now choose either a Blue/White or Black/White sheet for day/night color effects. The new translucent sheet, called Plexiglas G 3179 Blue/White sheet, is being exhibited at the International Sign Association Expo held here at the Orlando Orange County Convention Center this week.

According to Vince Casmirri, market development specialist, the color changing properties of the two sheet products permit sign designers to create novel and unusual effects. "For example," he says, "company logos on outdoor displays can appear white at night and blue or black during the day. Additionally, a message can be made to appear or disappear, depending on whether it's backlit or not." He adds that by partitioning light sources within a sign, the message can change, depending on which light sources within the sign are on or off.

One caveat noted by Casmirri: the light sources must be twice as intense as those for a conventionally illuminated sign.

Typical applications of Plexiglas Blue/White and Black/White sheet include illuminated signs and panels, direction and alarm signs, point of sale displays, architectural décor, and highway messages. The sheets are available in 3, 4, and 5 mm thickness.

For more information on Plexiglas 3179 Blue/White and Plexiglas 3063 Black/White sheet, contact Vince Casmirri, market development specialist, Atoglas, 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, or call 800-647-5569.

About Atoglas
Atoglas is a global business that manufactures and markets sheet and polymer products worldwide. In North, South, and Central America, these are sold as Plexiglas® acrylic sheet and Plexiglas acrylic molding and extrusion resins. Atoglas also markets Tuffak® polycarbonate sheet and Implex® impact acrylic sheet. In Europe, acrylic resins are sold under the Oroglas® trade name and acrylic sheet under Altuglas®. In Asia Pacific, acrylic resins are marketed as Oroglas® and acrylic sheet as Goldglas®.
www.atoglas.com
www.plexiglas.com

About Atofina Chemicals
ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. produces high-performance chemicals and polymers. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ATOFINA Chemicals employs 3,000 people, and reported sales in 2001 of $1.4 billion. ATOFINA Chemicals is part of ATOFINA, the world's 5th largest chemical company with 72,000 employees and sales in 2001 of $17.5 billion (EUR19.6 billion). ATOFINA is the chemical branch of TotalFinaElf (NYSE: TOT), the world's 4th largest oil and gas company with 123,000 employees and sales in 2001 of $94 billion (EUR105 billion). www.AtofinaChemicals.com

Plexiglas, Tuffak, Implex, Oroglas, Altuglas, and Goldglas are registered trademarks, and Atoglas is a trademark, belonging to Atofina.

Atoglas
2000 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: +1 (215) 419-5013
Fax: +1 (215) 419-7930
E-Mail: anita.palmieri@atofina.com
Website URL: www.atoglas.com