VCIC                          For additional information contact:
                              G.S. Donovan or K.K. Duttlinger (630) 789-4900
                              A.S. Brilliant, Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy
                              (212) 530-5000

                     VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. ANNOUNCES
                        CONFIRMATION OF PREPACKAGED
                           PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

WILLOWBROOK, ILLINOIS, December 20, 2002 - Viskase Companies, Inc.
("Viskase") announced today that Judge John D. Schwartz of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division,
confirmed Viskase's Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization as Modified.  Viskase
expects to consummate the Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization during January
2003 subject to finalization of a post-confirmation credit facility.

F. Edward Gustafson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Viskase stated, "Viskase is pleased that its Prepackaged Plan of
Reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court so quickly.  We look
forward to building upon our excellent relationships with our customers and
suppliers and to continuing our long-standing commitment to the meat and
poultry industry."

Viskase Companies, Inc. has its major interests in food packaging.  Principal
products manufactured are cellulosic and nylon casings used in the
preparation and packaging of processed meat products.

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