Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, Tennessee / USA; www.eastman.com) is to invest in commercial scale production at its Kingsport facility for “Tritan” copolyester products, which were launched in November 2007. The expansion project, expected to be completed by late 2009, includes construction of new manufacturing facilities as well as conversion of some existing operations. The company anticipates annual growth of 6% to 8% in the global copolyester market, including “Tritan”. Recently introduced commercial products made from the copolyester include “CamelBak” water bottles and “Vita-Mix” premium blenders.

Eastman says its new product combines the advantages of traditional copolyesters, such as clarity and chemical resistance, with higher heat resistance, improved design flexibility and ease of processing.