Non-phthalate product offering for European sealants market

New non-phthalate plasticizer designed for polysulfide glazing sealants - Eastman Chemical Company today announced an addition to its non-phthalate plasticizer portfolio with Eastman VersaBond™ plasticizer.  Designed specifically for polysulfide glazing sealant applications in the European market, Eastman VersaBond offers an efficient and easy replacement for traditional phthalate plasticizers that are coming under increased regulatory scrutiny.

With the enactment of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) by the European Union, manufacturers are now transitioning to non-phthalate options for their polysulfide insulated glass sealants. With this in mind, Eastman set out to meet the needs of the market by creating VersaBond.

As a drop-in replacement for traditional phthalate plasticizers, VersaBond can save manufacturers months of development and reformulation time, yielding a non-phthalate product which simultaneously enhances the integrity of insulated glass sealants. When compared with traditional phthalate plasticizers and other non-phthalate solutions such as dibenzoate plasticizers, VersaBond has comparable or better performance for Shore A hardness, viscosity, tensile strength, and water uptake.

“The need to replace traditional phthalate plasticizers without sacrificing product performance is creating challenges for Europe’s polysulfide sealant formulators and manufacturers,” said Carlos Alvarado, Eastman’s Specialty Plasticizers business manager. “Eastman is responding to these challenges with innovative product offerings such as Eastman VersaBond™ plasticizer.  VersaBond is a tailored non-phthalate solution that is backed by Eastman’s reliable technical support, market expertise, and global manufacturing resources.”

For more than 50 years, Eastman has produced innovative plasticizers that are used in a variety of applications. The versatile line of plasticizers includes many non-phthalate solutions to address the market’s emerging regulatory needs and consumer preferences. Today, Eastman is the global leader in non-phthalate plasticizers with the broadest product line in the industry. For more information about Eastman plasticizers, visit www.EastmanPlasticizers.com.

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 2013 revenues of approximately $9.4 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more info, visit www.eastman.com.