May 20 2013
Eastman Chemical Company is displaying three new luxury drinkware collections from BarLuxe, made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, at the 2013 National Restaurant Association Show from May 18 to 21 in Chicago.
The new product lines — Staxx, Vintage and Carafe — will be on display at Eastman’s booth (4181). All BarLuxe products are made with Tritan, a new-generation copolyester that provides toughness, dishwasher durability and clarity, and is free of bisphenol A (BPA).
“Since our company’s inception and initial product launch, we have continued to select Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for our product lines because of its superior dishwasher durability and its stunning clarity,” said Jill Connelly, director of operations, BarLuxe. “Our goal has always been to develop a line of tough, BPA-free products that don’t sacrifice quality for resilience.”
New luxury drinkware collections from BarLuxe.
Three new lines
The Staxx line of drinkware is popular with establishments that serve drinks and have a compact storage footprint, and the line features an inner ledge for easy removal of stacked beverageware. The toughness and clarity of the material keep the drinkware line looking like new. Staxx are available in 1.5-ounce and 2-ounce shot, rocks and tall sizes.
BarLuxe created the Vintage collection with wine drinkers in mind. Variations include a fluted design that is ideal for champagne; a tulip-shaped, multipurpose stemmed version; and a versatile stemless version suitable for wine, margaritas or water. As a companion to the Vintage collection, the BarLuxe Carafe has superior clarity and is durable, with a screw-on lid and flip-open spout for easy pouring.
“Eastman is committed to supporting customers like BarLuxe at every stage of the development process,” said Marty Boykin, Ph.D., global business manager, Eastman Chemical Company. “We’ve been pleased to hear BarLuxe values the support Eastman provides and continues to use our material for its products.”
True costs
BarLuxe found that current and potential customers were having a difficult time understanding the cost savings that could be realized by using BarLuxe beverageware made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester in place of disposable or glass drinkware. In response to this, BarLuxe came up with a unique way to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of purchasing drinkware that doesn’t have to be replaced as often. The “True Cost of Drinkware” infographic shows per-drink cost comparisons between disposable, real glass and BarLuxe drinkware made with Tritan™.
“While disposables have a single use, and glass breaks and chips, the dishwasher durability and toughness of BarLuxe made with Eastman’s material allows for a longer life span for each piece of beverageware and significant cost savings,” Connelly said. “This infographic has been a great resource for us to help customers evaluate drinkware costs.”
Providing value
Eastman Tritan™ copolyester itself is the first reason BarLuxe chose to work with Eastman. The company has also found value in the collaboration with Eastman through the development, launch and continued improvement of the drinkware lines. BarLuxe is happy with what the material has enabled for to its products, and market response to the drinkware has been very positive.
“We have found that using the material for our product lines have fulfilled customers’ needs,” Connelly said. “Some customers have said that while they’ve been disappointed with other drinkware brands, the BarLuxe line fits their needs because the drinkware has the weight and feel of glass and the rims are right-sized for drinking.”
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.
Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders.
As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., and employs
approximately 13,500 people around the world.
About BarLuxe
BarLuxe’s mission is to create an uncompromised premium line of unbreakable bisphenol A-free drinkware that has the aesthetics of real glass and the durability of plastic at a price point that is attractive to customers. With the added benefit of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, the drinkware not only looks and feels superior to polycarbonate and acrylic glasses but outperforms them, as well.