Axion International Signs First Railroad Tie Order with Alcoa

NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Axion International (OTCBB: AXIH), a leading producer of industrial building products and railroad ties made from 100% recycled plastic, announced it has signed its first order to provide Axion’s innovative Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) railroad ties (referred to as sleepers in Australia) to Alcoa Fastening Systems, a subsidiary of Alcoa, Inc. (NYSE: AA), one of the largest producers of aluminum in the world.

“We are pleased to announce this new contract-win and look forward to working with Alcoa’s team as we complete our first project together,” stated Jim Kerstein, Axion’s Chief Technology Officer. “Using our patented material, designed from 100% recycled plastic, Alcoa will be able to further reduce its carbon foot-print, while simultaneously investing in a superior sleeper that is expected to last signifantly longer than the typical hardwood sleepers presently used.”

The railroad sleepers are expected to be delivered by late April. The 6.5 foot, 10” x 10” sleepers are to be used as a replacement for wooden sleepers that have been part of the existing bauxite railroad track at Alcoa’s Wagerup refinery in WA since the 1970’s.

“Jim and the rest of the Axion team have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to delivering these new sleepers to the refinery at Wagerup,” stated Glen R. Woodrow - Manager, Mining, Rail, Oil & Gas of Alcoa Fastening Systems. “Due to their unique blend of recycled polymers, Axion is providing Alcoa with a material that is not only good for the environment, but more cost effective than traditional railroad sleepers on a long-term basis. After our initial purchase we will evaluate Axion’s materials on both an engineering and cost basis for potential use in future railroad sleeper projects throughout Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia.”

Developed in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Axion’s proprietary Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) material is inert and contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will never leach toxic chemicals nor warp. Because it is lighter than traditional materials, transporting RSC is less expensive and reduces energy costs. In addition, Axion’s products are completely recyclable at the end of their functional life.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

About Axion International

Axion International is a leading structural solution provider of cost-effective alternative infrastructure and building products. The Company’s green proprietary technologies allow for the development and manufacture of innovative structural products made from 100% recycled consumer and industrial plastics. Axion's up-cycled products are an economic and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials such as wood, steel or concrete. Developed in collaboration with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion's patented technologies allow for products that are extremely strong, durable, flexible in design, and low maintenance.

For additional information, please visit Axion’s corporate website: www.axionintl.com