Cereplast announces design contest judges
EL SEGUNDO, CA -- Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ:CERP), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, today announced the panel of judges for the “Make Your Mark” design competition that will produce a symbol to be used to identify products and packaging that are made from bioplastics ("green," bio-based plastics, not petroleum-based plastics). At the close of the contest on March 4, 2011, over 1,500 design entries were received. The designer of the winning bioplastics symbol will receive $25,000.

“We are honored to have renowned experts from diverse backgrounds within the design community to help us select a symbol that has the potential to become a globally recognized icon, similar to the recycling symbol we see every day on thousands of plastic products”

“We are honored to have renowned experts from diverse backgrounds within the design community to help us select a symbol that has the potential to become a globally recognized icon, similar to the recycling symbol we see every day on thousands of plastic products," said Frederic Scheer, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast. "Cereplast’s competition reflects our commitment to educating and helping consumers make better informed purchasing decisions that help safeguard our environment.”

The “Make Your Mark” panel of renowned judges includes:

Dr. Gary Anderson—Creator of the globally recognized “recycling symbol,” which was created in 1970 as a result of a design competition that Dr. Anderson won.

Rod Dyer—President of Rod Dyer International, has produced award winning graphic designs and some of the most recognizable brand identities and logos including Maverick Records, Gramercy Pictures, The Disney Channel, Entertainment Tonight and California Pizza Kitchen.

John Newland—Herman Miller Vice President of A+D. Herman Miller is globally recognized for design excellence, creating award-winning products and services, and for supporting a passionate commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Eric Pfeiffer—President and Creative Director of Pfeiffer Lab, is an award winning product designer who focuses on simplicity, sustainability and function. Clients include Design Within Reach, Crate and Barrel, Room & Board, Gap Inc., Levi’s and William Sonoma.

Karim Rashid—World-class industrial designer known for award-winning designs in fashion, furniture, interiors and packaging. His popular designs include Umbra’s GARBO™ trash can and packaging for Method, Veuve Clicquot, Swarovski and others.

Rebecca Minkoff—Fashion Designer, known for her luxury handbags, accessories and clothing designs, her pieces are a favorite of celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Keira Knightley and Lauren Conrad.

Dr. Michael Thielen—Publisher of bioplastics MAGAZINE, the only independent global trade magazine dedicated to covering the bioplastics industry.

“It still amazes me that the recycling symbol I designed for a student competition in 1970 became a globally recognized icon,” said Gary Anderson, creator of the recycling symbol. “Cereplast’s bioplastic symbol will gain traction much faster as communication in today’s digital landscape runs at lightning speed compared to forty years ago. I am honored to be a part of this historic competition that will produce a symbol that will represent the environmental benefits of bioplastics.”

Due to the higher than expected number of submissions, the number of semi-finalists will be increased to 200, up from 50. The top 200 designs will be determined based on a public voting system, which closes on March 11, 2011. The judges will then select the top three designs and the winning symbol will be announced on Earth Day Eve, April 21, 2011, at a gala event to be held at the Herman Miller Showroom in Los Angeles, California. Located at 3641 Holdrege Avenue, Herman Miller’s 18,000 square-foot showroom is the first LEED CI (Commercial Interiors) Platinum building in Los Angeles, as certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

About Cereplast, Inc.

Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics which are used as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with petroleum-based plastics. On the cutting-edge of bio-based 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 bio-based content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainables™ Resins combine high bio-based content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics and packaging.

SOURCE: Cereplast Inc.
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