Application Decree in Italy Creates Larger Growth Opportunity for Cereplast

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., 2012-01-31 14:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cereplast, Inc.
(Nasdaq:CERP), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable
plastics, today cited that the bioplastics industry in Italy could experience
stronger growth rates due to the recent Application Decree signed by the Prime
Minister on January 25, 2012.

Following legislation published by the Italian Parliament in December 2010,
which banned the use of polyethylene for bag applications, the bioplastic
industry has been anxiously waiting for the Applications Decree. Although the
2010 Law clearly defined the banning of polyethylene and encouraged
alternatives such as bioplastic, the Application Decree further amends the
details of the Law and implements strict enforceable conditions. The Decree is
enforcing large and costly sanctions from Euros 2,500 to Euros 25,000 per
infraction for companies that do not follow the legal requirements.

Mr. Frederic Scheer, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast, commented, "The Application
Decree is a significant step forward for the entire industry as the Italian
government has begun strictly enforcing non-petroleum based alternatives to the
current market plastic applications. Specifically, Cereplast is one of only a
few companies within the bioplastic industry that meets the proper standards
for compostability, EN 13432. It is encouraging that in a short matter of time
since the amendment we have received inquiries for our products from
substantial new customers. We estimate the Italian market demand to be 250,000
tons per year of polyethylene according to Plastic News. Only a few companies
have the technology and standards in place to serve this market with legitimate
bioplastic alternatives that match the requirements set by this Decree."

The Decree deemed as "Extraordinary and Urgent Measures for the Environment,"
issued on January 25, 2012, amends previous plastic bag laws to require that
single-use disposable bags meet and follow European standards for
compostability (EN 13432:2002). This Decree will prevent the confusion created
by various proposed alternatives that do not legitimately compost.

Cereplast compostable resins meet all stringent standards of compostability in
the United States (ASTM 6400) and in Europe (EN 13432). Additionally, Cereplast
recently announced receiving DIN-CERTCO certification for several blown film
resins that all meet the new Italian standards.

About Cereplast, Inc.

Cereplast, Inc. (Nasdaq:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary biobased,
sustainable bioplastics which are used as substitutes for traditional plastics
in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming,
blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with
traditional plastics. On the cutting-edge of biobased 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 biobased content and compostability are advantageous, especially in
the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainables™ Resins combine high biobased
content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them
ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics
and packaging. Learn more at www.cereplast.com. You may also visit the
Cereplast social networking pages at Facebook.com/Cereplast,
Twitter.com/Cereplast and Youtube.com/Cereplastinc.

The Cereplast, Inc. logo is available at
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within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate,"
"may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking
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from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements
contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the
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associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors
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performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from
terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in
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CONTACT: Cereplast, Inc.
Public Relations
Nicole Cardi
(310) 615-1900 x154
ncardi@cereplast.com

Investor Relations:
Alliance Advisors, LLC
Alan Sheinwald
914-669-0222
asheinwald@allianceadvisors.net
www.AllianceAdvisors.net