Nitto Denko and 3M announced today that they have jointly developed a new high-durability, ultrathin liquid crystal display (LCD) polarizing film that is approximately half the thickness of existing products and provides outstanding optical performance.

The new film combines Nitto Denko's durable, thin polarizer film and 3M's ultrathin reflective polarizer, branded Vikuiti advanced polarizing film. The result is a very thin polarizing film that provides higher brightness with no loss in viewing angle, as well as lower power consumption, than displays with no reflective polarizer. These features address the increasing need for thinner, more durable LCD panels for use in applications such as cell phones, MP3 players and automotive displays.

3M will supply its Vikuiti advanced polarizing film to Nitto Denko, which will manufacture the new products by combining the film with its own polarizer film for LCD panel makers. The film is expected to be commercially available in April 2006.

About Nitto Denko

Nitto Denko supplies various sophisticated products to the global market and supports a broad range of industrial activities. Based on core macromolecule synthesis and processing technologies, the company creates products with superior features by merging different advanced technologies. It is headquartered in Ibaraki, Osaka, and has more than 100 group companies that provide products for the world markets. In the fiscal year ending in March 2005, the company's consolidated sales were 514,867 million yen.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

3M, St. PaulDonna Fleming, 651-736-7646orNitto Denko, IbarakiKazuhito Kouno, 81-72-621-0228