Eastman Introduces the Next Generation of PET
New ParaStar resins offer significant performance, economic and environmental benefits to beverage brand owners and converters
Chicago, Ill. (October 30, 2006)- Eastman Chemical Company, the world's largest producer of PET for packaging, introduces the next generation of PET resins. Named ParaStar, these innovative resins offer enhanced bottle clarity, product purity, production and supply chain efficiencies, as well as significant environmental benefits.
ParaStar resin is produced using IntegRex technology, Eastman's patent-protected manufacturing process for PET. Because the solid-stating step has been eliminated, the process reduces energy usage compared to ordinary PET resin production processes.
Enabled by IntegRex, ParaStar resins make it possible for converters to create PET bottles with unprecedented clarity, improved bottle-to-bottle consistency, and acetaldehyde levels lowered by 25 percent or more. Less acetaldehyde in the resin makes this new resin particularly attractive for bottled water use.
"The ability to design and manufacture products that have performance, brand and environmental benefits is essential for companies looking for viable packaging in the years to come," said Thomas (T. J.) Stevens, vice president and general manager, polymers segment, Eastman. "Simply put, ParaStar resins will help our customers better achieve both their packaging goals and their long-term brand objectives."
ParaStar is a drop-in replacement for standard PET on bottle manufacturing equipment. Companies using this resin require no equipment or process changes, eliminating downtime and costly learning curves often associated with the use of new resins. ParaStar resin is 100% recyclable, and can be recycled with traditional PET resins.
"Next generation ParaStar resins meet our customers' ever-growing need to build and protect brands, increase profits and enhance their environmental profiles," added Stevens. "Our on-going investment in innovative processes, products and technologies demonstrates Eastman's commitment to quickly and responsibly meet the needs of the PET marketplace."
ParaStar resins will be commercially available in North America in Q1 2007.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is the world's largest producer of PET polymers for packaging; and is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2005 sales of $7 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.
For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com, or contact Lori Sampson-Bold, global media relations, lorisampson@eastman.com; 423-224-0528.
