24 Apr 2002
Eastman Introduces Next Generation Of Biodegradable Plastic
Eastman Chemical Company has announced the introduction of Eastar Bio Ultra copolyester, a new entry in its line of Eastar Bio biodegradable resins.
Eastar Bio Ultra copolyester features a higher melt viscosity than its sister product, Eastar Bio GP copolyester. "Eastar Bio Ultra with its higher melt viscosity is engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of blown film processing, permitting higher throughputs and improved processability," said Bert Heijne, Eastman's business market manager with responsibility for the biodegradable product line. "Extrusion processing conditions will be similar to a high melt index low density polyethylene (LDPE)."
Engineered to be durable for its useful life, Eastar Bio Ultra completely biodegrades to carbon dioxide, water and biomass in 180 days in a commercial composting environment. It will become invisible to the naked eye in as little as twelve weeks, a time frame comparable to paper in the same environment.
Film made of this copolyester is strong, moisture-resistant, and durable outside a composting environment and provides good tear and puncture resistance, particularly at lower temperatures.
Applications for the product include agricultural films, lamination films for rigid food packaging, leaf and lawn waste bags and horticultural applications. Eastar Bio Ultra copolyester is approved for food contact in the European Union and the U.S.
When used as a laminate film on conventional biodegradable materials such as starch, Eastar Bio Ultra provides moisture protection and strengthens rigid packaging structures such as produce and meat trays, significantly increasing the volume of materials suitable for disposal in composting facilities.
Eastar Bio copolyesters fully meet ASTM and DIN standards for biodegradation.
"There are a number of applications using Eastar Bio Ultra copolyester currently in development with customers," said Heijne. "These products will be hitting the markets in the coming months."
Reader enquiries
Eastman Chemical Company
Fascinatio Boulevard 602-614
2909 VA Capelle a/d IJssel
Netherlands
Notes for editors
Eastman Chemical Company, headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.A., manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals and fibers worldwide with 2000 sales of US$5.3 billion. The quality systems of all Eastman® plastics are registered under ISO 9000 except at plants in operation less than one year.
For more information about the company, visit www.eastman.com.
Editorial enquiries
Vincent Gugumus
Eastman Performance Chemicals and Intermediates
Nancy van Heesewijk
EMG