Biocatalytic innovation eliminates high temperatures and strong acids from cosmetic ingredient processing

Kingsport, Tenn. (June 23, 2009) – Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) has won one of the U.S. government’s top environmental awards for its breakthrough Eastman™ green biocatalytic process.

The 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the White House, recognizes technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use.

The Eastman™ green biocatalytic process uses enzymes and closely controlled conditions to make esters, eliminating the high temperature and strong acids traditionally required in their manufacture. Esters are a vital building block in thousands of products. The cosmetic and personal care industry in North America annually consumes an estimated 50,000 metric tons of esters for a variety of uses including emollients, emulsifiers, and specialty performance ingredients. 

Eastman’s “gentler” process consumes less energy while making high quality products, even when beginning with sensitive starting materials.  Eastman’s green biocatalytic process uses no solvents and virtually eliminates by-products, reducing the number of processing steps required for manufacture. 

“Eastman’s talented technology team has scored another sustainability bulls-eye,” says Jim Rogers, chief executive officer, Eastman. “This latest recognition offers eloquent testimony to how our continued investments deliver real-world results – the creation and nurturing of sustainable technologies and products.”

Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, encompasses chemicals and processes that reduce negative impacts on human health and the environment.  Aspects of green chemistry include reducing waste, devising safer products and processes, and reducing the use of energy and resources.

The Eastman™ green biocatalytic process provides new green, sustainable, and natural ingredients for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

For more information on the green process please visit www.eastman.com/greenprocess.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman’s chemicals, fibers and plastics are key ingredients on which our customers rely to make products people use every day. Over 10,000 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions.  Eastman is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within diverse markets we serve. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had 2008 sales of $6.7 billion.