MIDLAND, MI. - September 8, 2008 - The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index recently announced it had rated The Dow Chemical Company as one of the top performers in the global chemical industry "“ marking the eighth time Dow has received this recognition since the launch of the Index in 1999.

The Company was recognized for its operational eco-efficiency, product stewardship, customer relationship management and people development, among other things. Dow's overall score was 85 percent "“ 24 percentage points higher than the average and just two points lower than the top score in the industry. Dow was one of nine chemical companies who made this year’s list "“ which includes a total of 320 companies from 19 super sectors.

"Once again we are honored to be recognized by Dow Jones, reinforcing the positive impact we're making with our sustainability efforts across the Company," said Dave Kepler, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer. "As the global marketplace increases its demand for sustainable solutions, Dow is well positioned to lead the chemical industry in meeting and exceeding these demands."

"This external validation not only recognizes the work we're doing to set the standard for sustainability within the chemical industry but is also a testament to the personal commitment Dow people are making," said Neil Hawkins, vice president of sustainability. "As leaders in the industry, we're using our expertise in science and technology to address critical challenges facing our world."

By connecting chemistry and science with the principles of sustainability, Dow is helping to address some of the world's most pressing challenges"¦bringing new hope to communities across the globe, new prospects for our planet and new business opportunities for the Company.

• Dow's 2015 Sustainability Goals, inspired by the UN Millennium Development Goals, represent our long-term vision and desire to extend our focus to help make an impact on the world. These goals will drive our growth profitability while addressing the challenges of water and food supplies, housing, personal health, energy, climate change and protection of the environment.
  
• In July, Dow Latin America hosted a week long sustainability event aimed at promoting the debate about sustainable development, taking three crucial aspects into consideration: People, Planet, and Sustainable Businesses. The event was established to create new mindsets and unbiased actions towards stewardship of environment, health, and diversity as keys to the future and included activities designed to accelerate collaboration with customers, employees, partners, NGOs, the press, authorities, associations, and communities.
  
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named Dow a 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for excellence in energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
  
• The Dow Chemical Company Foundation committed $10 million to establish a new Sustainable Products and Solutions program with the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, in partnership with its College of Chemistry.

For more information on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, visit the DJSI site.

About Dow
With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.