Cereplast Compostables(R) Blown Film Resins Receive European Certifications for Industrial Compostability From the Two Most Prominent EU Organizations

Last Milestone Prior to the Enforcement of the Italian Plastic Bag Sanctions Met by Cereplast


SEYMOUR, Ind., May 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cereplast, Inc. (OTCQB:CERP) (the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable bioplastics, today announced that the Cereplast Compostable blown film series has received both DIN CERTCO and Vinçotte certifications for meeting EN 13432, the European standard for industrial compostability. Compostable 3002, 3010, 3015 and 3020 are Cereplast Compostables® blown film grades, which are used for the manufacture of single-use grocery bags and trash bags. These grades also meet the ASTM D 6400 standard in the United States, and are certified up to a maximum 1.0 mil (25.4 micron) thickness.

DIN CERTCO is the certification organization of TÜV Rheinland Group and DIN, the German Institute for Standardization. It is highly regarded for its independence, neutrality and competence. It is one of the two organizations in Europe recognized for certifying biodegradability. DIN CERTCO certified Compostable 3002, 3010 and 3020, and Compostable 3015 is expected to receive certification in the near future.

Vinçotte International is a renowned inspection facility headquartered in Vilvoorde, Belgium. Vinçotte grants OK Compost certification to a product after verifying that it meets EN 13432, a standard for compostability recognized in Europe, Asia and North America. Cereplast Compostable 3002 also received the OK Compost certification this week, and the additional grades are expected to receive certification soon. Vinçotte is the second organization recognized for certifying biodegradability in Europe.

Cereplast Chairman and CEO Mr. Frederic Scheer commented, "Third party certification provides our customers with proof that our compostable materials meet the required standards for industrial compostability, and in Europe, DIN CERTCO and Vinçotte are the two certifying bodies for EN 13432. These certifications are an important component for doing business in Europe and further facilitate the sale of our material across the continent. Obtaining the DIN CERTCO and the Vinçotte/OK Compost certification according to EN 13432 was the last milestone our Company needed to reach prior to the enforcement of the Italian sanctions."

Mr. Scheer continued, "The Company anticipates that the full effect of the Decree will start by summer/fall 2013 and expects to see a surge in demand for its bioplastic resins as a result in the weeks to come. As previously disclosed we estimate that after the initial transition period, the total addressable market for compostable blown film grades in Italy will exceed $500 million. Based on current market pricing of $4,500/ton, and capacity of 3,000 tons/month at our Seymour facility, we are capable of producing in excess of $10 million per month. We remain confident that our Cereplast Compostables blown film resins have a competitive advantage."

About Cereplast, Inc.

Cereplast, Inc. (OTCQB:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary biobased, sustainable bioplastics which are used as substitutes for traditional plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with traditional plastics. On the cutting-edge of biobased plastic material development, Cereplast now offers resins to meet a variety of customer demands. Cereplast Compostables® resins are ideally suited for single-use applications where high biobased content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainables® resins combine high biobased content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics and packaging. Learn more at www.cereplast.com. You may also visit the Cereplast social networking pages at Facebook.com/Cereplast, Twitter.com/Cereplast and Youtube.com/Cereplastinc.

Safe Harbor Statement

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.



            

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