International. Eastman Chemical announced that it has made an investment in expanding its resin production capacity at its manufacturing plants located in Middelburg, the Netherlands and Jefferson, Pennsylvania, as well as for the production of polyolefin polymers at its plant located in Longview, Texas.
Hydrocarbon resins are used as raw materials for hotmelt and pressure-sensitive adhesives, and as binders in nonwoven products such as disposable diapers, feminine products and sanitary napkins. They are also used in the modification of plastics and rubber. In turn, Eastman's Eastoflex and Aerafin polyolefin polymer products are used in hygiene, tape and roofing products.
"These expansions demonstrate our commitment to growing and driving the company's innovation processes to meet the needs of our customers in the hydrocarbon resins and polymers division," says Mahendra Dorairaj, vice president and general manager of the Adhesives and Specialty Fluids and Energy business unit.
"The consumer preference for lower-odor tachyfiers and polymers, with higher purity, offers a great opportunity for Eastman to expand its product portfolio and grow our importance with our key customers. The investments will enable the production of premium quality tachyfiers and resins with best-in-class purity, a strategy that continues our legacy as a premium supplier and key innovator in the industry. While these investments increase our capacity by 10 to 15 percent, most importantly, they continue to position Eastman's products as premium offerings in the market," concludes Dorairaj.
