“Pebble” Sampling is First-Phase Launch to Showcase Eastman’s Commitment to Advancing Design through Innovative Materials
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2005 —Eastman Chemical Company is officially launching Material Difference—the first phase of its new material sampling strategy—at Material ConneXion in New York City, on Feb. 2, 2005. Available in scented, unscented and in a variety of colors, Eastman’s palm-of-your-hand sized “pebble” samples, made from its Tenite cellulosic plastic, are the first phase of the company’s Material Difference sample program for designers and brand owners. The event launch at Material ConneXion will kick off an eight-week exhibit featuring innovative applications using Eastman’s specialty plastics materials, including Tenite cellulosics, that will run from Feb. 2 to March 30.
“The choice of material has a bearing way beyond cost and formability— the right choice can propel a product from the mundane to the exceptional. We call this our Material Difference strategy, and we express it through our growing range of samples,” says Gaylon White, manager of design industry programs for Eastman. “Eastman’s Tenite cellulosics is one of our most enduring materials and an appropriate choice to be at the forefront of our roll-out. However, the ‘pebble’ samples are just the beginning — samples of other materials will follow to support our commitment—to inspiring the design community and encouraging the development of new products and materials.”
Essentially created from wood pulp, Eastman’s Tenite cellulosics bring together the manufacturing advantages of plastics with the emotive feel and sound characteristics of natural fibers, making them an alternative to urethane in applications where the designer wants to really connect. Designers will receive a multi-colored set of pebbles made from Tenite cellulosics that demonstrate the material’s unique tactile qualities. Each pebble is made of two fitted halves, allowing designers to mix colors or share samples with clients. The pebble samples also reveal the high clarity and rich color options—glacier, spring, aqua, sepia and cobalt—made possible with cellulosics.
Three of Eastman’s Material Difference samples are also available with encapsulated fragrances. Colors for the samples were selected to match the mood created by the aromatherapy-type scents. These include: Tranquil Escape (lime and geranium), High Energy (grapefruit and jasmine) and Stress Free (lavender and vanilla) with matching green, citrus and lavender colors. The scented pebbles were developed in collaboration with Rotuba Extruders, Inc. Additional scented pebble samples are being developed for the program.
In addition to launching its pebble samples at Material ConneXion, Eastman will be exhibiting a number of innovative designer applications made from its various specialty plastic materials, including: the F-16 Stealth Putter, designed by Frank Thomas, president of Frankly Golf, LLC; the ProActive Chair, manufactured by Milanese furniture maker, ICF, and renowned designer Christophe Marchand; and “righteous” d_skin disc protectors made by d_skin, LLC.
More information on the first phase of Eastman’s Material Difference sampling program can be accessed at the Eastman Innovation Lab, a Web-based design community resource for designers and brand owners, intended to add customer value by inspiring new products and services, while improving existing products and opening new market categories. The Eastman Innovation Lab offers a means for materials advancing design and provides a focal point for brand owners and designers to find innovative materials solutions. For more information on the Eastman Innovation Lab, please visit www.EastmanInnovationLab.com.