Blackwell Plastics Creates Innovative Frozen Drink Dispenser Part with Eastman Tritan(TM) Copolyester


April 1, 2009

New-generation Copolyester Offers Design Flexibility and Easy Processing

Kingsport, Tenn. - April 1, 2009 - Eastman Chemical Company announced today that Blackwell Plastics, an injection molding company, has utilized Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester to create an innovative frozen drink dispenser faceplate. The new part, used to dispense refreshing, flavored frozen beverages while displaying the product to consumers, is utilized by major restaurant chains nationwide.

When designing the faceplate, Blackwell needed a material that would maintain clarity, perform at extreme heat ranges (between -40°F to 160°F), and was chemical- and impact-resistant. Additionally, the faceplate design for the frozen beverage dispenser needed to magnify and provide an enhanced visual of the drink product. After unsuccessfully testing a variety of clear materials, including acrylic and polycarbonate, to create the part, Blackwell Plastics consulted with Eastman to effectively design the faceplate using Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester.

"We took the initiative to get in touch with Eastman because we were having trouble identifying a high-quality, tough, clear and chemical-resistant material for this application," said Jeff Applegate, president of Blackwell Plastics. "The unique qualities of Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester allowed us to create and mold a plastic that met all of our needs and those of the end user."

Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester creates a durable product with high-heat and chemical resistance, and easy processing. The plastic also does not crack, haze or discolor after continued wash and daily use. The unique characteristics of Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester allowed Blackwell Plastics to create a viable and innovative plastic piece for its customer to distribute to restaurant chains nationwide.

"Working with Eastman has allowed us to meet our customers' needs in the frozen drink market," Applegate said. "We anticipate recommending Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester to future customers seeking to develop clear, durable products."

About Blackwell Plastics

Blackwell Plastics, established in 1939, operates in Houston, Texas, and specializes in thick-walled, void-free molding, industrial custom molding, and extrusion applications. Blackwell Plastics has 30 injection molding machines to 500 tons and five extrusion lines to 2.5 inches. Molding operations are supported by a full-service, in-house tool and die shop and extensive secondary operations for machining, assembly and welding.

About Eastman Chemical Company

Eastman manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers; and produces PET polymers for packaging. As a Responsible Care® company, Eastman is committed to achieving the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and security performance. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2008 sales of $6.7 billion and approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information about Eastman Tritan(TM) copolyester, visit eastman.com/tritan.

For more information about Blackwell Plastics, visit www.blackwellplastics.com.

For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com
or
contact
Lucy Stewart,
global trade media relations,
at +1-423-229-4229
or
globalmediarelations@eastman.com.

Company Name: Blackwell Plastics
Address 1: 5606 CAVANAUGH ST.
City: Houston
State: TX
Zip: 77021
Country: USA
Phone: (713)643-6577
URL: www.blackwellplastics.com

Contact Name: Jeff Applegate
Title: President
E-mail: jeff.applegate@blackwellplastics.com

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