Plaskolite to Manufacture Mustang™ Sheet Using Eastman Tritan™ Copolyester

05 Nov 2008 • by Natalie Aster

KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Eastman Chemical Company has signed an agreement with Plaskolite Inc. to exclusively cooperate in the pursuit of new markets in North America for extruded plastic sheet using new Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. Mustang™ sheet made from this new-generation copolyester offers differentiated performance for fabricators, designers and brand owners. Tritan copolyester combines the advantages of traditional copolyester sheet, such as clarity and chemical resistance, with enhanced heat resistance, toughness, weatherability, design flexibility and ease of fabrication.

"Our strategic relationship with Eastman gives us the opportunity to provide a revolutionary new sheet product to our customers," says Mitch Grindley, vice president, sales and marketing at Plaskolite Inc. "In an increasingly competitive market environment, this innovation provides our customers with another tool to differentiate themselves in the markets they serve."

"We are confident that our collaboration with Plaskolite will result in the successful introduction of Mustang™ sheet made from Eastman Tritan™copolyester into a variety of applications. Our two companies share a forward-oriented vision that will allow us to better service marketplace needs," adds Dante Rutstrom, vice president and general manager, specialty plastics at Eastman Chemical Company.

While Eastman Tritan™ offers a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than traditional copolyesters, sheet products manufactured from the material do not require pre-drying. The durable and lightweight products also can be thermoformed faster, and at lower temperatures, than polycarbonate sheet. These forming advantages contribute to superior material distribution properties and open the decorating window, particularly when using vinyl.

"Sheet manufactured with Eastman Tritan™ offers an exciting opportunity to address the growing needs of manufacturers, designers and brand owners for innovative materials," says Rutstrom. "This effort reflects Eastman's commitment to deliver new products and ideas that can contribute to the strength of the industry."

About Plaskolite, Inc.

Founded in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio, USA by the Dunn Family, Plaskolite, Inc. is proud to be the largest privately owned U.S. manufacturer of continuously processed acrylic sheet products. Plaskolite's reputation is based on service, quality, stability and integrity. Plaskolite currently has more than 475 employees and operates manufacturing facilities in Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio, Grand Saline, Texas, Compton, Calif., Olive Branch, Miss. and Monterrey, Mexico.

Eastman manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers; and produces PET polymers for packaging. As a Responsible Care® company, Eastman is committed to achieving the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and security performance. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2007 sales of $6.8 billion and approximately 10,500 employees.

Source: Eastman Chemical Company