Jun 21 2013
Tritan™ copolyester from Eastman Chemical Company offers a tough, dishwasher-durable and clear alternative to other plastic materials available to housewares and small appliance brand owners.
The material also is free of bisphenol A (BPA). Since its launch in 2007, Tritan has been the material of choice for more than 600 food contact products ranging from serving and storing items to reusable sports bottles, baby bottles and small appliances.
A BPA-free alternative
As of Jan. 1, 2013, France has banned the use of BPA in food contact materials intended for use by children under the age of 3. In that same legislation, France will extend the ban to all food contact materials and applications, regardless of age, beginning on Jan. 1, 2015. Until that time, all food containers and packaging containing BPA will have a warning advising against the use by children under the age of 3 and pregnant or lactating women.
Brand owners are now considering alternative materials for their infant- and child-focused products as well as for all products, in the event the ban is not lifted. Because Eastman Tritan™ copolyester is free of BPA, brand owners who use the material in their products can market them as BPA-free, meeting these new requirements and market demands, and increasing customer satisfaction.
Chic Conception beverageware.
To support its safe use in food packaging and articles, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester has been tested and complies with the requirements of the Plastics Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011) and is subject to an effective Food Contact Notification under the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
“Using Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for food contact applications not only allows brand owners to label their products as BPA-free but also to feel confident in promoting Tritan on their products to convey to consumers that the product is safe for use in packaging and preparing food,” said J.P. Kuijpers, global sales director and business director, EMEA region, Eastman Chemical Company.
French company Chic Conception turned to Eastman Tritan™ copolyester to ensure its high-end clear, colorful beverageware lines were free of BPA. In choosing this material, the company considered its customers’ interests — even before the legislation was passed — so customers can be confident they are purchasing products not manufactured with BPA.
“Eastman Tritan™ copolyester is exactly the type of material we were looking for when we were creating our beverageware line,” said Stéphane Chicha, director, Chic Conception. “Tritan provides the toughness and dishwasher durability our products — and customers — demand. The fact that the material also is BPA-free gives customers the confidence they are using products that comply with the new legislation in France.”
Sought-after attributes
In addition to being BPA-free, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester is noted for its dishwasher durability, crystal-clear clarity and extreme toughness.
“Eastman has worked with leading global brand owners in various markets to rigorously test and validate the performance of Tritan under a variety of end-use conditions,” Kuijpers said. “The toughness of Tritan has helped encourage design and manufacturing innovation for commercial and residential housewares that is not possible with other plastic materials.”
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., USA, and employs approximately 13,500 people around the world.
About Chic Conception
Headquartered in Marseille, France, Chic Conception aims to design and offer high-quality products for the retail and commercial drinkware markets. The company’s designs are inspired by customer needs as well as functionality. All designs aim to bring the most convenient usage to customers. Chic Conception reacts and adapts to market trends and specific customer requests.