Robyn Waters Interview Predicts The Next Level of Design Will Be Multi-Sensory

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Aug. 23, 2005 – Eastman Chemical Company announced today enhancements made to the Eastman Innovation Lab Web site, www.EastmanInnovationLab.com, its interactive, community-based resource for designers and brand owners. In furthering its commitment as a strategic partner for designers and brand owners, Eastman has added new product Application and Inspiration pages, as well as a News and Features page highlighting the Design Insights area, to the Web site. The site adds customer value by inspiring designers to develop new products and services, while improving existing products and opening new market categories.

The product application pages feature the new RKS “Pop Series” Electric Guitar made from Eastman’s Tenite cellulosics and designed by Ravi Sawhney, president and CEO of RKS Guitars. Founded by Sawhney and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason, RKS’ hand-built, open-architecture guitars reflect over three years of design innovation using Eastman’s cellulosics material.

Additionally, the News and Features page includes an exclusive Q&A with Robyn Waters, founder and president of RW Trend LLC., the principal force who positioned design at the core of Target Corp.’s differentiation strategy. According to Waters, who is best known for putting design at the core of Target Corp.'s differentiation strategy, the selection of materials is key to design. She also predicts that the next level of design will be multi-sensory.

Another new product application highlights the Apothecary Color Series, available for the pharma, personal care, cosmetics and household products. The series combines trendy design with the “retro” appeal of an old-fashioned neighborhood pharmacy. The Web site also includes an updated News and Features page, highlighting the latest in industry design, innovation and materials news and trends.

The Eastman Innovation Lab Web site, designed by The Brewery, captured a gold award in the 2005 Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) competition in the Digital Media and Interfaces category. A competition co-sponsored by BusinessWeek Magazine and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the IDEA recognizes excellence in design innovation, user benefit, client/business benefit, ecological responsibility and aesthetic appeal. More information on the Eastman Innovation Lab is available at www.EastmanInnovationLab.com.