Blow Molding Resin provides look and feel of glass.
Press Release Summary:
When molded into bottles, Eastar copolyester AN001 injection stretch blow molding resin results in wall sections as thick as 10 mm with light transmission rates to 91%. It is suitable for cosmetic and personal care markets.
Original Press Release:
Eastman Announces the Introduction of Eastar Copolyester AN001
KINGSPORT, TENN. (Aug. 6, 2002) - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) announces the introduction of Eastar copolyester AN001, an injection stretch blow molding resin for the cosmetics and personal care markets. Products branded under the trademark Eastar have captured significant market share from glass as brand owners look to replace glass with plastic.
Eastar copolyester AN001 resin was developed in close consultation with leading bottle manufacturers to fill a void for cosmetics companies experienced in the marketplace. Scott Rook, business market manager for Eastman's cosmetics and personal care markets said, "Cosmetics companies were looking for a cost-efficient bottle, capable of packaging high-quality products that can deliver the premium look and feel of glass without the associated cost of glass." Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in applications where the look and feel of glass is not required could not adequately package branded items, effectively shutting out premium branded items being delivered in plastic packaging. Rook added that injection stretch blow molded bottles made of AN001 resulted in much thicker wall sections (up to 10 mm) as compared to using PET (2-3 mm), and the color and clarity is significantly improved (91% light transmission rates) compared to those (81%) for PET. The final bottle looks and feels like glass, allowing brand owners to package their high-quality items in a more economic container. In addition, cosmetics packaging designers will embrace AN001 for the design flexibility it affords as compared to the design and cost issues associated with glass.
PET continues to be an excellent choice for standard applications, but brand owners now have an opportunity to develop new market spaces as a result of Eastman's packaging breakthrough. The market has already accepted AN001 for thick-walled bottles containing body lotions and makeup by major brand owners.
"Eastar copolyesters are a leader in the cosmetics/personal care markets, and the development of AN001 complements the established successes of Eastar copolyesters AN004 and GN071. We are excited about the new opportunities that AN001 affords both Eastman and our customers, and we look forward to being part of their new product introductions," Rook stated.
Eastar copolyester AN001 will be one of two new products unveiled to the market at this year's HBA Global Expo in New York as well as the Luxepack show in Monaco.
Eastman Chemical Company, headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.A., manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals and fibers worldwide. The company employs approximately 15,800 people in more than 30 countries and had 2001 sales of US$5.4 billion. Visit Eastman's Web site at www.eastman.com for more information about the company.
