Eastman Chemical completes expansion of plasticizer line at Estonia

01-Dec-10

Eastman Chemical Co. has completed expansion of its Benzoflex plasticizer line at the Kohtla-Järve, Estonia, site, hiking capacity by 11,000 tons. A benzoic acid derivative, Benzoflex is a benzoate ester plasticizer used in adhesives, sealants and caulks, and is also used in PVC applications such as vinyl flooring. "Eastman acquired the Benzoflex plasticizer product line with the acquisition of Genovique Specialties Corporation earlier this year," said Ron Lindsay, executive vice president, Performance Polymers and Chemical Intermediates. "The Kohtla-Järve site is an important extension to the production capabilities of Eastman's plasticizer business and we are pleased to complete this site expansion. The additional Benzoflex capacity will allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of customers who are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional phthalate plasticizers."