Polymer enables environmentally sound production of nonwovens.
Press Release Summary:
EastONE S85030 Water Dispersible Polymer Copolyester enables use of sustainable processes to achieve micro fiber structures without requiring chemical wash processes. Suited for nonwoven industry use, this copolyester is used in segmented pie or islands-in-the-sea fibers to create microfiber nonwovens that emulate properties associated with woven materials.
Original Press Release:
The Future Is Here. Eastman Introduces EastONE S85030 Water Dispersible Polymer
Miami, FL (April 24, 2007) - Eastman Chemical Company proudly announces the new EastONE S85030 Water Dispersible Polymer for the nonwovens industry. This innovative and patented copolyester is used in segmented pie or islands-in-the-sea fibers to create microfiber nonwovens that emulate the drape and feel of woven materials.
The only technology of its kind commercially available, EastONE S85030 is the first product to be offered under Eastman's new EastONE brand for nonwovens.
Engineered to enable next-generation microfiber nonwoven textile, filtration and flushable/dispersible applications, EastONE S85030 copolyester enables use of sustainable processes to achieve microfiber structures without requiring the use of a chemical wash process which can damage microfibers. Additionally, the EastONE processes facilitate the recovery of dispersed polymers for additional environmental and cost benefits.
The announcement was made at IDEA07, the International Engineered Fabrics Exposition and Conference in Miami, one of the nonwoven industry's premier events.
"We are convinced EastONE S85030 copolyester is a true game-changer, says Todd Williams, nonwovens global industry leader for Eastman. "Our technology team has engineered a next-generation solution to create the material difference for the nonwovens industry."
In traditional spunbond or meltblown nonwovens manufacture, harsh chemicals are used to separate the bicomponent fibers. However, the water-dispersible EastONE copolyester uses water to separate the component strands. This substantial benefit is furthered by polymer recovery as part of the EastONE process.
EastONE S85030 polymers also provide significant end-use benefits in nonwovens, including enabling light weight, high strength applications, enhancing durability and breatheability in fabrics, improving air and liquid filtration performance, and high wet pick-up in wiping applications.
"While segmented pie and islands-in-the-sea processes are currently used to produce nonwoven materials for the household, industrial, and personal hygiene markets, the advent of EastONE S85030 water dispersible polymer will greatly expand the range of applications for nonwovens," says Williams. "Specifically, they will contribute to more sustainable manufacturing of nonwoven textile fabrics, air and water filtration media, and high performance wiping products."
EastONE S85030 joins Eastman's broad portfolio of industry-standard solutions for the nonwovens industry, including resins for hygiene adhesives, polyesters and copolyesters, Eastoflex polyolefins, cellulose ester functional polymers, and solvents.
More info: eastman.com/EastONE. EastONE and Eastoflex are registered trademarks of Eastman Chemical Company.
Eastman 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. 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 2006 sales of $7.5 billion and approximately 11,000 employees. For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com.
For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com, or contact Lori Sampson-Bold, global trade media relations, at +1-423-224-0538 or globalmediarelations@eastman.com
