KINGSPORT, Tenn., November 14, 2024 – Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) today announced it is making an investment to upgrade and expand its extrusion capability for production of Interlayers product lines at its manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium. The investment will strengthen Eastman’s supply capability to respond to growing regional and global demand for Saflex™ polyvinyl butyral (PVB) products in the Automotive Premiums market while also positioning the site for future growth in both automotive and architecture segments. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
“We are committed to supporting the growing global demand for specialty interlayers products, strengthening our regional service capabilities in Europe, and investing in asset capabilities to serve glass laminators’ needs for innovative, high-performance and high-quality products,” said Sabine Ketsman, division president of Eastman’s Films business. “Strong macrotrends in enhancing connectivity, autonomous driving and electrification are fueling increased demand for Eastman’s Automotive Premium products, including Saflex Horizon Vision for head-up displays, Saflex color and solar portfolio, and new solutions like Evoca™ RSL for electric vehicles. We are excited about the opportunities this investment creates to further enable our innovation-driven growth strategy and provide increased service differentiation for our customers.”
Saflex interlayers are made of PVB films laminated between two sheets of glass. Eastman’s PVB interlayers enhance automotive and architectural glass lamination in a variety of ways, including solar control, sound reduction, safety, security, and UV protection. Interlayers is a part of the Films division in Eastman’s Advanced Materials business segment.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Media contact
Amanda Allman
Eastman Corporate Communications
1-423-229-1025
aallman@eastman.com
