Feb 22 2011
Eastman Chemical Company announced today that the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), approved the Plastics Implementing Measure, or PIM, (Regulation No. 10/2011) allowing the use of a key monomer used in Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for repeat-use food contact applications throughout the EU.
The regulation, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Jan. 15, 2011, entered into force on Feb. 4, 2011, and will apply from May 1, 2011, when the existing Plastics Directive is repealed. Passage of this legislation was the final step in clearing Tritan for use in housewares, small appliance, infant care, sports bottle and bulk water applications.
“Eastman is committed to providing the global market with high-quality materials that enable manufacturers to create tough, shatter-resistant and dishwasher-durable products,” said Lucian Boldea, business director for Eastman’s Specialty Plastics Business.“We are pleased that the European Commission has cleared Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for food contact applications and that brand owners throughout the EU will be able to utilize the unique balance of properties offered by Tritan to create differentiated products.”
Eastman Tritan™ is a new-generation copolyester that delivers the advantages of traditional copolyesters, such as inherent toughness and clarity, as well as high heat and chemical resistance, improved design flexibility and ease of processing. Tritan is also free of bisphenol A (BPA).
Previously, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester received clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food contact applications. In addition, the Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association (JHOSPA) has amended its list of certified polymers to include the composition of Tritan, and Health Canada issued a Letter of No Objection allowing the use of Tritan in food contact applications.