Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, Tennessee / USA; www.eastman.com) has entered into a joint venture with Mazzucchelli 1849 (Varese / Italy; www.mazzucchelli1849.it) to manufacture cellulose diacetate (CDA) compounds in Shenzhen / China, where the latter operates a production plant. CDA is a bio-derived material used in a number of injection moulded applications, including ophthalmic frames and tool handles. The compounds manufactured in Shenzhen are to be marketed to Asia.

“Eastman believes that the demand for cellulosic materials will continue to grow,” said Mark Costa, the company’s executive vice president, speciality polymers, coatings and adhesives. “This growth is not only fuelled by highly innovative segments, such as liquid crystal displays, but also in traditional segments, where design flexibility, physical properties and the increased interest in bio-derived materials play integral roles in the development process.”

Eastman cellulosics are produced from 100% renewable softwood materials.