Jun 6 2008
PolyOne Corporation, a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced today that it has signed a market development agreement with Eastman Chemical Company designating PolyOne as the exclusive compounder of filled systems with Eastman’s new-generation TritanTM copolyester in North America.
In this role, PolyOne will apply its industry-leading formulation and compounding expertise to combine Eastman TritanTM copolyester with performance-enhancing additives to develop fully compounded systems. PolyOne will work with its customers and Eastman to develop new applications and markets for these compounded materials, with a focus on high-value, specialty, niche applications.
Eastman’s new TritanTM copolyester is noted for its clarity, toughness, high chemical and heat resistance, and ease of processing. For molders, the innovative chemistry of TritanTM copolyester, which is manufactured without bisphenol-A (BPA), offers numerous processing advantages as compared with other transparent polymers. These include faster molding cycles, fewer production steps and a potential for reduction in energy usage. It can also be molded with lower levels of residual stress as compared with polycarbonate.
These unique properties make Eastman TritanTM copolyester ideal for many applications including molded parts for small kitchen appliances, and items such as reusable food containers and sports bottles that undergo repeated dishwasher cycles. The performance of properties of TritanTM copolyester allows molded parts to withstand the dishwasher environment without cracking or crazing.
“We are pleased that Eastman is looking to PolyOne for its technology and service capabilities to fulfill the technical and commercial promise of this versatile new plastic,” said Craig M. Nikrant, vice president and general manager, Specialty Engineered Materials. “Our global operations allow us to serve our customers with specialty compounds across the world. This strategic partnership affirms PolyOne’s commitment to its specialization strategy and provides a unique value offering to help our customers build a competitive advantage.”
Nikrant noted that PolyOne’s specialty manufacturing plant in Avon Lake, Ohio, is designed to support projects such as TritanTM, with a focus on rapid turnaround and speed to market.
“Eastman is very excited about the market potential of Eastman TritanTM copolyester, with its unique balance of properties, performance and processability,” said Deborah Baum Crain, director of copolyester innovation. “This new polymer offers outstanding durability, which provides long product life as well as strong aesthetic appeal. We look forward to teaming with PolyOne to expand the potential of TritanTM copolyester in innovative new compounds, applications and market opportunities.”