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​Dedicated to safety: Two Eastman sites win Safety Performance Awards!

This fall, Eastman Chemical Company was awarded two inaugural Vinyl Institute 2016 Safety Performance Awards. Eastman plasticizers plants in Chestertown, Maryland, and Texas City, Texas, were recognized for their achievement of zero OSHA recordable incidents for the 2015 year—proving another great testament to Eastman’s inherent culture of safety.

Jonathan Mabe, Director, Eastman Specialty Plasticizers and Specialty Plastics departments (middle), stands with Dick Doyle, Vinyl Institute President and CEO (right) and Richard Krock, Vinyl Institute Vice President for Regulatory and Technical Affairs (left) to accept Eastman’s two Safety Performance Awards.

The Vinyl Institute (VI) is the North American trade association for manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Each year, the VI recognizes PVC manufacturing facilities of member companies that demonstrate outstanding safety performance. This year, for the first time, these awards were extended to include manufacturing facilities from associate member companies—companies that supply complimentary materials like plasticizers and other additives to the PVC industry value chain—and Eastman was among the first recipients. The VI’s Safety Performance category recognizes efforts to improve employees’ safety and is awarded to companies with zero recordable incidents for the reporting year.

“This is great recognition for the tremendous progress that the staff at both the Chestertown and Texas City sites have made in making safety our primary focus and for achieving our goal: going through the full year without any OSHA recordable incidents,” said Steve Cullen, business unit director for Oxo and Plasticizers.

With a work environment that employees feel safe in, Eastman’s team members are able to focus on producing high quality general-purpose and specialty plasticizers for a variety of markets and customers around the globe.

To learn more about Eastman’s portfolio of plasticizers and our dedication to safe production, contact us today.

​Eastman 168 SG adds to its clean toxicological certification!

Eastman 168™ SG non-phthalate plasticizer has reached the landmark achievement of being the first plasticizer listed on the CleanGredients® database! Not only does this meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program, it also furthers Eastman’s commitment to making products that are better for the environment without sacrificing quality or performance.

By accepting Eastman 168 SG as the first plasticizer in its certified database, CleanGredients is now expanding into new market areas. Prior to this inclusion, CleanGredients focused on ingredients in cleaning products; now the database can expand its reach into new areas and help provide suppliers and consumers a more robust listing of Safer Choice products.

Eastman 168 SG is a leading alternative to most general plasticizers, such as DEHP that aids performance while complying with new industry standards. Eastman 168 SG can be used in applications such as:

• Food contact
• Medical care
• Toys
• Gloves
• IV components

To see what sustainable opportunities await, contact an Eastman representative today! We can help you choose the right product to meet your production standards with a sustainable solution.

​A safer and more sustainable health care industry: CleanMed 2016

Last month, the Eastman Medical Team traveled to Dallas, Texas, for CleanMed 2016, a tradeshow and conference focused on innovation and environmental sustainability in the health care industry.

Increasingly, more health care providers and networks are demanding safer and more sustainable products and materials for use in their offices and hospitals, often specifying materials that are BPA free or non-phthalate. The CleanMed event, sponsored by nonprofit organization Practice Greenhealth, provides health care industry professionals the opportunity to meet product manufacturers and raw material suppliers to learn more about the latest innovations for safer and more sustainable health care.

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How do CleanMed and sponsor Practice Greenhealth contribute to the medical industry?

• Create opportunities for new, innovative solutions in health care development
• Assemble people invested in health care, such as researchers and administrators, to share ideas about developing greener health care—from raw material supply to component manufacturing to end use
• Encourage sustainable design and construction for health care products
• Display safer materials and products for the patient and the environment

While at the show, the Eastman team discussed with medical professionals how our medical grade materials can help manufacturers produce innovative supplies and packaging for the medical industry.

Moving away from DEHP is easier than you think with Eastman 168 SG.

• Best cost in use of non-phthalates
• Clean toxicological profile supported by third-party testing
• Higher purity standards
• Stringent QA protocols
• cGMP compliant
• Traceability
• More extensive lab testing and sample and records retention
• Customer auditing available
• Advanced notification of change
• Hassle-free replacement

Beyond plasticizers, Eastman also offers a portfolio of advanced materials that also helps medical device manufacturers produce innovative and safer products. What are some examples of other Eastman materials found in the medical industry?

• Eastman Eastalite™ copolyester
• BPA free
• Sustainable alternative for packaging
• Cleaner cutting
• More lightweighting opportunities
• Better hinge life
• Faster processing
• Eastman Tritan™ copolyester MXF121
• Medical grade, opaque polymer
• Provides outstanding durability after disinfection
• Can help reduce hospital-acquired infections

Eastman experts are always available to help you accomplish your goals through innovative development and reliable supply and technical support. If you would like to learn more about our non-phthalate plasticizers and specialty plastics or have any questions about our solutions for the health care industry, please contact us.

​In case you missed it . . . ‘Choosing the right material when developing new products’

Today, developing new products for your industry can be a challenge when regulations appear to be ever increasing—seemingly limiting your material options. Local and global regulatory trends have made material alternatives a must, but cost and availability of alternatives can affect product development from the start.

Eastman Plasticizers Regulatory and Advocacy Manager, Scott Boito, recently authored an article for Product Design and Development on the importance of having a general understanding of your market and the regulations that may affect your ability to purchase certain materials—not to mention the consumer trends and brand owner standards that also influence material selection.

“Knowing about emerging concerns will reduce risks associated with your new product’s longevity and can provide your company with a strategic advantage in the marketplace,” said Boito.

Organizations and regulations such as the EU’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and California’s Proposition 65 have been responsible for identifying and/or restricting the use of hundreds of chemicals of concern. Phthalate plasticizers, frequently referenced chemicals of concern, have been in the spotlight for several years now, and many manufacturers have switched to using non-phthalate plasticizers due to market and regulatory pressures.

Eastman works to innovate and supply customers with high-performing products such as an entire portfolio of non-phthalate plasticizers, so you can easily switch to an accepted alternative material without reformulation or performance issues.

Eastman Chemical Company offers a wide range of non-phthalate products for flexible PVC markets. If you have a need or would like to learn more about regulations affecting your material choice, speak with an Eastman representative.

      

​Introducing brand new Eastman VersaMax™ Plus plasticizer!

This week marked the launch of Eastman’s latest installment of non-phthalate plasticizers designed to offer flexible solutions for plastisol manufacturers and dry-blend compounders.

Eastman VersaMax Plus offers a general purpose, high performing non-phthalate option to those considering moving away from traditional ortho-phthalate plasticizers. “Often times, switching from an industry standard like DEHP [di-ethylhexyl phthalate] or DINP [diisononyl phthalate] can leave manufacturers wishing they had better performance out of their plasticizer,” said Eastman Market Development Manager of Plasticizers, Dr. Jesus Moralez. “VersaMax Plus gives you the best of both worlds – compliance, thanks to it being a non-phthalate, and performance that competes with long-time industry standards.”

VersaMax Plus offers:

• Improved dry times in Dry Blends
• Lower plastisol viscosities in Plastisols
• Faster fusion
• Enhanced plasticizers compatibility
• High efficiency

To learn about VersaMax Plus, speak with an Eastman representative today!

​Eastman meets your medical material needs.

For markets that require sensitive applications such as the medical market, the choice of materials is important. That is why there are many factors that go into the decision-making process when selecting these materials. Do the materials meet the standard of care for patients and other end-use customers? Are the materials compliant with regulatory trends and legislation? Do they stand up to manufacturing needs and meet safety guidelines? Rest assured, we have the answers to your material needs.

Eastman recently released new data regarding solvent bonding as a processing technique to connect flexible PVC tubing and rigid plastic parts for medical applications. The study looked at how solvent and plastic choice affects bond strength between flexible medical tubing and plastic luers. The three factors tested were the plasticizer used in making the tubing, the plastic used to make the luers, and the solvent used for bonding. Three Eastman materials were used in the study: Eastman 168™ SG non-phthalate plasticizer, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, and Eastar™ copolyester. The study found good bond strength was achieved when using PVC tubing made with Eastman 168 SG and DEHP with varied combinations of solvents and plastics.

To read more about the results of the study, click here. For more information about why Eastman is the comprehensive choice for all your medical application materials, contact your Eastman representative.

​Happy New Year. . . We’ll see you in 2016!

The Eastman Plasticizers Team will be exhibiting at and/or attending the following events:

• MD&M West, February 9—11, Anaheim, CA, U.S.A.
• PVC Formulation 2016, April 5—7, Cologne, Germany
• ASC Spring Convention & Expo, April 18—20, New Orleans, LA, U.S.A.
• CleanMed, May 17—19, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
• IGI Annual Congress, May 29—June 1, Barcelona, Spain
• FEICA, September 7—9, Vienna, Austria
• ASC Fall Convention & Expo, October 17—20, Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A
• Compamed/MEDICA 2016, November 14—17, Düsseldorf, Germany

If you would like to request a meeting at any of these events, please submit a contact request form.

We wish you a Happy New Year!

​Here’s to 40 more years, Eastman 168!

All year long we’ve commemorated the 40th anniversary of Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer, globally recognized as the leading general-purpose phthalate alternative. We’ve celebrated with our customers around the world, the industry, and our fellow team members. Although we’re sad to see the celebration come to a close, we are looking forward to what the future holds!

With decades of chemical expertise and unmatched technical service, Eastman is the leading producer of di(-2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT). As the company that brought this innovative material to the market in 1975, we’re also the primary source for demonstrating its safety and utility in diverse and demanding markets.

“The success of our brand today has been a direct result of the dedication of our team members in bringing innovation and insight together with significant investment in capacity and capability to meet the market needs today and in the future,” says Eastman Plasticizers Business Director Steve Cullen. We thank you, our customers, for your continued collaboration, and we thank our dedicated team members for helping us build the world’s broadest portfolio of non-phthalate plasticizers!

With expert knowledge, unmatched technical service, and commitment to the plasticizer industry, Eastman will continue to provide trusted products for years to come.

Happy Anniversary, Eastman 168!

 
This year, we celebrated with a new, limited edition duck named Ruby made especially for the 40th anniversary of Eastman 168. Ruby accompanied our familiar brand ambassador, PeeZee, around the globe to trade events and customer visits.

 
Eastman Vice President and General Manager of Adhesives and Plasticizers, Erwin Dijkman addressed Plasticizers team members past and present at an employee celebration of Eastman 168.

Our dedicated Eastman Plasticizers team members celebrated the 40th anniversary of Eastman 168 at an event held at Eastman’s headquarters
in Kingsport, TN. 

Have a plasticizers need? Let us know.

​In case you missed it. . .
"Plasticizers under REACH spotlight"

Eastman Plasticizers Market Development Manager Martin Stimpson recently authored an article in ICIS magazine highlighting key elements of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and how compliance affects the industry as a whole.

Although legislation on REACH was based in the EU and passed through the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), it affects manufacturers around the world. There has been a major shift to innovate new alternatives to comply with regulations on chemical substances across the globe.

To improve the protection of human health and the environment from the possible risks that can be posed by chemicals, manufacturing companies now have to identify and manage the risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. Although the initial adoption hurdle causes delays in production for many manufacturers, regulatory compliances such as these motivate industries to reach a little further to create high-performing, safer products.

Want to discuss further? Drop us a note.

​In case you missed it. . .
‘Green and flexible: new advancements in plasticizers’

A recent article featured in Compounding World interviewed a number of plasticizer manufacturers to discuss the latest trends, pressures, and advancements in PVC plasticizers.

Today, Eastman is the leading global supplier of non-phthalate plasticizers. “Eastman’s leadership in this market comes from the breadth of its portfolio and level of innovation,” says Eastman Plasticizers Business Director Steve Cullen.

The increasing regulation on low-molecular-weight phthalate plasticizers, or more commonly, phthalates, was a hot topic for all interviewed. It’s no surprise that this regulatory trend has been a major catalyst in the shift towards PVC-product manufacturers specifying non-phthalate alternatives. And plasticizer manufacturers like Eastman have been innovating to offer high-performing products, so customers can switch to non-phthalate plasticizers without the headache of reformulating or sacrificing performance.

Have a need? Let us know.

​FEICA recap

In September, the Eastman plasticizers team traveled to the FEICA 2015 Conference and Expo in Vilamoura, Portugal. At the expo, representatives highlighted Eastman’s non-phthalate plasticizer options for the adhesives and sealants market.

During the conference, Dr. Martin Stimpson, Eastman market development manager, presented a paper on high-performance non-phthalate solutions for polysulfide-insulating glazing sealants. Stimpson’s talk featured topics including the European sealants market, current regulatory landscape, and non-phthalate options, such as Eastman VersaBond™ plasticizer.

Dr. Stimpson also touched on the performance and final product technical requirements of plasticizers and reasons to use a plasticizer in polysulfide sealants that include:

• Modification of the T_g
• Viscosity control/increased dispensability
• Cost
• Improved elasticity
• Improved movement accommodation
• Reduced modulus
• As a carrier for other additives
• Improved resiliency

Eastman developed a plasticizer that meets these needs in the form of our Eastman VersaBond™ plasticizer. VersaBond is an efficient and easy replacement for phthalate-based plasticizers in polysulfide sealants for insulated glass. As a near drop-in replacement for phthalate-based plasticizers, VersaBond:

• Represents a direct substitution that requires little to no reformulation-saving months of development, approval, and changeover time
• Complies with the known current and upcoming regulatory initiatives for plasticizers
• Outperforms other non-phthalate options
• Is backed by Eastman’s reliable technical support, market expertise, and global manufacturing resources

To further support our commitment to the polysulfide sealant market, Eastman acquired rights to patents, US 6,919,397 and EP 1 285 019 entitled “TWO-COMPONENT POLYSULPHIDE ADHESIVE/SEALANT” from H.B. Fuller. The European Patent is validated in France, United Kingdom, Germany (Federal Republic of), Ireland, and Italy.

The show may be over but Eastman experts are available anytime you have questions. To speak to an Eastman representative and learn more about our non-phthalate plasticizer options, Contact Us.

Celebrating the launch of new game Ducks for Change: River Dash!

Eastman and the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People (DMTFYP) celebrate the launch of Ducks for Change: River Dash, an interactive mobile application game in support of the Ducks for Change initiative. Ducks for Change is a fundraising campaign through DMTFYP featuring a variety of novelty toy ducks powered by Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer.

Ducks for Change: River Dash is the first in a series of mobile games to be developed through the collaboration of Eastman and DMTFYP that began in 2013. Each game will feature Ducks for Change characters as they go on a variety of adventures.

“We have been working with the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People over the past two years to not only create the novelty ducks powered by Eastman 168, but also to develop a strategic relationship that we believe has a collective impact for both organizations as well as the charities that benefit from the Ducks for Change proceeds,” said Godefroy Motte, Eastman Senior Vice President, Integrated Global Supply Chain, and Chief Regional and Sustainability Officer.

Since the relationship started, Ducks for Change has created 10 new duck ranges supported by Eastman 168.

“Thanks to the support from Eastman, the ducks continue to raise money to support disadvantaged children and young people across Europe, and we are very grateful to Eastman for their continued involvement.” said Simon Sheehan, Director of DMTFYP. “They have helped to improve our manufacturing of the ducks and have also provided marketing support, specifically with the development of an exciting new mobile game that allows our duck fans to interact with their favorite characters.”

Ducks for Change: River Dash is available for a free download through the iTunes App Store and the GooglePlay store.

Visit www.dmthomasfoundation.org/ducks-forchange for more information about the program. Buy a set of Ducks.

​In case you missed it: ‘Walk this way…’

Dr. Jesus Moralez, Eastman market development manager of plasticizers, North America, recently authored an article for The Construction Specifier covering the use of DEHP-free (non-phthalate) plasticizers in flooring applications like luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).These products for residential and commercial spaces, offer consumers and designers an innovative choice for healthier flooring options, and are the result of improved science and technology in vinyl and plasticizers.

Benefits of LVT and LVP include:

• Low maintenance needs
• Decreased lifecycle costs
• Easy installation
• Improved indoor air quality performance
• Replacements for individual tiles instead of entire floor
• Additional cushioning for less impact and softer feel
• Acoustic features that absorb more noise
• Withstanding of heavy traffic, regular wear, and sunlight
• Resistance to moisture and mildew

Raw material suppliers continue to find ways to make improved healthy products without sacrificing performance for new flooring options. This has given consumers many benefits and designers more choices and options. Thanks to non-phthalate plasticizers customers can enjoy high-performing products with peace of mind.

Have a need? Let us know.

​Eastman plasticizers visit CleanMed 2015

This month the Eastman Plasticizers Team traveled to Portland, Oregon for CleanMed 2015, a tradeshow and conference focused on sustainable solutions for the healthcare industry. At the show, we discussed with medical professionals and medical OEM’s how our medical-grade plasticizers can help manufacturers create breakthrough healthcare devices, supplies, and packaging; and highlighted how Eastman materials can help bring the next generation of medical products to market.

What medical products can Eastman non-phthalate plasticizers be used in?

• Infusion sets
• IV containers and components
• Respiratory devices <
• Dialysis supplies
• Gloves
• Catheters
• Films

Not to mention other PVC materials found in and around a hospital such as:

• Resilient flooring
• Cove base
• Wall coverings
• Upholstery
• Carpet backing

While at the show, Eastman Plasticizer Market Development Representative Mark Brucks, presented a CleanMed MedTalk session on switching to DEHP-free plasticizers in medical applications. He highlighted the need for proven high quality products and cost effective options, and helped the audience understand that non-phthalate plasticizers are available today.

Eastman experts, like Brucks, are always available to help you fulfill your needs and share market insights. If you want to learn more about our non-phthalate plasticizers or have any questions about our solutions for the medical market,contact us.

​A growing portfolio–of ducks!

Meet Ruby, our commemorative duck for the 40th anniversary of Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer. She’s the newest addition to our growing family of plasticizer ambassadors, but she’ll only be joining Team PeeZee this year. After 2015, you won’t be able to collect her so be sure to stop by the Eastman booth at one of our upcoming trade events or speak with your Eastman representative:

• CleanMed, May 12–14, Portland, OR, U.S.A.

• IGI Annual Congress, May 29–June 1, Sintra, Portugal

• SPI Vinyl Formulators, July 19-21, Alexandria, VA, U.S.A.

• FEICA, September 9–11, Villamoura, Portugal

• ASC Fall, October 19, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A.

• Compamed, November 16–19, Düsseldorf, Germany

Why did we choose the name Ruby? Call us romantics, but the traditional wedding anniversary for 40 years of marriage is to exchange, you guessed it, a ruby! We love our customers so what better way to commemorate their success with Eastman 168 than with a Ruby?

Have a need? Let us know.

​Eastman presents webinar for SpecialChem on polysulfide sealants

On March 25th, Lorna Williams, Eastman Plasticizers market development manager, delivered a webinar hosted by SpecialChem. The presentation was live-streamed around the globe, covering trends in the European sealants market, and highlighting the advantages of Eastman VersaBond™ plasticizer.

“The polysulfide sealants market, like many markets in our industry today, is increasingly influenced by regulatory trends,” said Williams. “As various players in the market are affected by such trends, it’s important that we develop new solutions to meet and surpass standards, while maintaining optimal performance in our end-use applications.”

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​ PZ-EU-001 - A new window of opportunity

VersaBond is a tailored solution for polysulfide sealants, providing top-quality performance with reliable supply and unmatched technical service. SpecialChem is an online professional network dedicated to gathering information on products in a number of industries including polymer additives, adhesives ingredients, plastics and elastomers, and more. They specialize in connecting professionals with all chemicals and materials available around the globe. Not only does SpecialChem give access to information on an array of products, they also help professionals by providing helpful technical information, webinars, solution case studies, like this VersaBond one , and useful tools like the Product Selection Guide

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​Eastman Plasticizers at PVC Formulation 2015

Last week, the Eastman Plasticizers team attended PVC Formulation 2015, where Dr. Jesus Moralez, market development manager, plasticizers, spoke on enhanced terephthalate plasticizers for formulating PVC plastisols and compounds.

Moralez shared insights on Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer and Eastman Effusion™ plasticizer, and discussed high solvators in plastisol or dry-blend formulations.

Those in attendance at PVC Formulation 2015 were able to stop by Eastman’s table to talk one-on-one with our Eastman experts about Effusion, and our other non-phthalate plasticizers.

To learn more about our extensive non-phthalate portfolio, contact us.

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Dr. Jesus Moralez delivers a presentation for the audience at
PVC Formulation 2015 in Cologne, Germany.

​Transforming plasticizers for 40 years

Throughout 2015, we at Eastman are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer, today’s market leader that formulators have come to request by name … or rather, by number!

With 40 years in the marketplace under its proverbial belt, Eastman 168 has earned its reputation as a trusted alternative to ortho-phthalates. Today, you’ll find it in all sorts of everyday products—from automobiles to toys and childcare items.

Today, brands are using Eastman 168 in:

• Automotive applications

• Flexible PVC

• Flooring and interior surfaces

• Gaskets, hoses, and tubing

• Latex sealants

• Medical devices and packaging

• Pressure sensitive adhesives

• PVC plastisol sealants

• PVC plastisols

• Wire and cable

2015 promises to be a year of celebration as we continue to see new products and new brands adopt non-phthalate alternatives. Throughout the year, we’ll be giving away fun gifts and celebrating Eastman 168 at tradeshows.

After all, as proud as we are of our heritage, what really excites us is how our plasticizer portfolio can improve and enhance what comes next. Have a need? Let us know.

​Getting off to a flying start

Hello! And welcome to The PeeZee Post your source for plasticizer news and events. The purpose of this newsfeed is to help keep you up-to-date on Eastman’s growing portfolio of trusted and innovative plasticizers, regulatory updates, and any news and events that affect the plasticizer industry.

Look to this space for timely topics, such as:

• Breaking news and recent developments in the plasticizer market

• Upcoming events and webinars

• Status of new safety regulations involving phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers—and, more importantly, how you can address these demands

• Useful processing hints and technical tips

• Posts from guest authors and scientists

And, you’ll find plenty of interesting information about plasticizers and the markets we serve. If there’s a subject matter you’ll find especially interesting or helpful, please let us know.