Clayton, Missouri, U.S.A., Apr 12, 2012 (Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) --ST. LOUIS, MO - April 12, 2012 - Spartech Corporation (NYSE: SEH), a leading producer of plastic sheet, compounds and packaging products, was awarded the Packaging Award for its 1-Seal product in SPI's International Plastics Design Competition (IPDC) at NPE 2012 in Orlando, Fla. The 1-Seal winning packaging entry was evaluated by an international panel of nine judges and was announced at a reception and ceremony during NPE on the evening of Tuesday, April 3. The award recognizes innovations in plastics design and technology.

The 1-Seal lid is a unique proprietary technology that provides packaging brands in the food industry with a sustainable, re-sealable, durable packaging solution. Using an in-mold label (IML), 1-Seal caps and seals in one step by leaving a portion of the label surface exposed inside the lid. The 1-Seal lid provides an air and water tight seal yet eliminates the need to seal with film or foil. Additionally, the in-mold label, which is integrated directly into the tray during the production process, allows for improved, more vibrant graphics that do not degrade when exposed to aqueous products. The label and lid are made of a single thermoplastic, making the entire package recyclable in streams that collect polypropylene.

Brand owners using the 1-Seal lid will experience several efficiencies throughout the supply chain. The 1-Seal lid streamlines manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate lidding and capping processes. Also, for hot-fill applications, the 1-Seal lid eliminates the need for a cooling bath. By using a rectangular shape, 1-Seal packaging increases shelf-differentiation and allows for a reduced shipping cube.

The 1-Seal technology creates many benefits for the consumer. 1-Seal packaging is re-sealable, microwavable and freezer-to-microwave ready. The easy-open lid eliminates the risk of injury from metal lids and the riddance of foil seals eliminates the risk of foil contamination during the manufacturing process and consumer use.

Spartech recently commercialized the 1-Seal packaging with The Better Bean Company®. Its re-branded line of gourmet refried beans, Rethought Beans, uses 1-Seal packaging and was debuted in March at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif.

"We're excited about the recognition," said Jeffrey Best, Director of Marketing for Spartech Packaging Technologies. "We think the 1-Seal lid will be attractive to many brands looking for more sustainable packaging solutions."

Spartech will officially launch the 1-Seal packaging solution May 1, at FMI 2012 in Dallas, Texas.

This is the first time Spartech has entered the IPDC.

For more information on the International Plastics Design Competition, visit www.plasticsdesign.org.

For additional information about the 1-Seal lid, visit http://www.spartech.com/1-seal.html or contact Jeffrey Best, Director of Marketing, Packaging Technologies at Spartech Corporation, via email at jeffrey.best@spartech.com or by phone at (314) 569-7466.

About The Better Bean Company

Better Bean is based in Portland, Oregon. The company was founded in 2009 by Keith Kullberg and his daughter Hannah who knew there had to be more to beans than what you find in a can. They had a vision for fresh tasting, refrigerated gourmet beans, and they set out to create what they believed to be simply a better bean. The company offers 14 ounce packages in the following varieties: Skillet Rethought Red Beans, Uncanny Refried Black Beans, Cuban Black Beans, Wholly Chipotle Bean Dip and Three Sisters Chili. Better Bean products are all-natural, vegan, gluten and soy free.

About Spartech Corporation

Spartech Corporation is a leading producer of plastic products including polymeric compounds, concentrates, custom extruded sheet and rollstock products and packaging solutions for a wide spectrum of customers. The Company's three business segments, which operate 34 facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and France, annually process approximately one billion pounds of plastic resins, specialty plastic alloys, and color and specialty compounds. Additional information can be found at http://www.spartech.com.

Company Contacts:

Randy C. Martin

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(314) 721-4242

Christi Emmenegger

Corporate Marketing Communications Manager

(314) 721-4242

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Source: Spartech Corporation via Thomson Reuters ONE

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