Foilmark Wins 1999 Governor's Award for Toxics Use Reduction.

NEWBURYPORT, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1999--

Bob Durand, Massachusetts' Secretary of Environmental Affairs, presented Foilmark, Inc. [Nasdaq National Market: FLMK] of Newburyport, MA with the 1999 Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Toxics Use Reduction in a ceremony at the State House. The awards ceremony was held today in conjunction with National Pollution Prevention Week, September 20-26.

Foilmark was honored for its implementation of a company-wide toxics use reduction program. This program focused on source and emissions reduction. The Company significantly reduced its use of adhesives, recycling of solvents and reductions in the volume of VOC topcoats. Through improvements in production efficiency as a result of these activities, Foilmark achieved lower manufacturing costs and gains in product quality. The Company also focused efforts on decreasing worker exposure, which created other opportunities for toxics use reduction. Foilmark has undertaken other environmental initiatives, including waste reduction and energy efficiency measures.

Environmental Affairs Secretary Bob Durand, stated, "Foilmark, which employs 150 people in Massachusetts, has demonstrated that an effective Toxics Use Reduction program is not beyond the capacity of a small business. Furthermore, their efforts have made them more competitive, which makes this a win for the environment and for Foilmark. On behalf of Governor Cellucci and Lieutenant Governor Swift, I congratulate them on their work."

Joe Olsen, President and CEO of Foilmark commented, "We are very pleased to receive the 1999 Governor's Award. For over 20 years, Foilmark has always aimed to improve upon environmental conformity. This leads to not only reductions in VOC emissions but also represents significant cost savings, which makes us more competitive. The award is a testament to the dedication of our personnel and foresight of our management."

The Governor's Awards are sponsored by the Advisory Board to the Commonwealth's Toxics Use Reduction Program and are presented each year to businesses, public or private institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups or individuals. The award recipients are recognized for their role in reducing at the source the use of toxic materials and/or the generation of hazardous waste. Winners are selected by a Blue Ribbon panel of representatives from the Advisory Board and others in the fields of industry and public health.

In addition to Foilmark, the other award recipients include Polaroid Corporation of Waltham, Riverdale Mills Corporation of Northbridge, the Nock Middle School of Newburyport and Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE) of Roxbury.

ABOUT FOILMARK

Foilmark develops, manufactures and markets worldwide hot stamp foils, holographic films and foils, paper and board laminates and metallized paper used to enhance the appearance and perceived value of consumer packaging and products. These products include promotional materials, folding cartons, labels, greeting cards, book covers, cosmetic packaging, picture frames, appliances, sporting goods and food packaging. Foilmark also produces image transfer equipment and printing supplies.

Foilmark, through its Holographic Division, develops and produces optical variable security devices that provide end users with a method to authenticate their products to prevent duplication, counterfeiting and diversion as they bring them to market. Applications for these products include driver's licenses, transaction cards, event tickets, currency, tax stamps and product labels.

This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, as a result of change in customer requirements, as well as other matters discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.