Technological watch

Eastman partners with IMCD Group to expand its distribution network for specialty plastics in EMEAEastman Chemical B.V. has announced that, beginning 1 August 2020, it is expanding and reinforcing its strategic partnership with IMCD Group for the distribution of its specialty plastics.
Eastman offers the world’s largest portfolio of thermoplastic polyester materials. IMCD will distribute these over a wide range of markets and applications, including medical, consumer durables, cosmetics, personal care, packaging and more. Currently, IMCD distributes Eastman specialty plastics in Spain and Portugal. Under the expanded distribution agreement, IMCD will also start serving an expanded EMEA market, including Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Eastman’s proven portfolio of specialty polymers and compounds includes Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, Eastar™ copolyesters, DuraStar™ polymers, and Eastman Treva™ engineering bioplastic, among others. These solutions coupled with Eastman’s advanced recycling technologies help address technical, regulatory, and growing sustainability challenges faced by many industries.
“IMCD is already a strategic partner in the distribution for various Eastman specialty materials, with demonstrated synergies and processes alignment,” says Eastman sales director Oliver Osborne. “We believe this expanded partnership will ensure a smooth transition for our specialty plastics customers whose distribution arrangements with incumbent distribution partners finish at the end of July. We encourage anyone who has questions to contact their Eastman representatives, who remain at our customers’ disposal.”
“The expansion of our long-term partnership with Eastman Chemical B.V., a market leader within specialty plastics in the EMEA region, reflects IMCD’s commitment and ambition to offer world-class innovation and technical expertise, complementary product lines and strategic alignment, in particular with regards to sustainability and sustainable solutions,” said Olivier Champault, IMCD advanced materials business group director.
Questions can also be directed to Eastman Distribution Manager Jean-Marc Arnoux at jean-marc.arnoux@eastman.com or Eastman Customer Service Representative Dana-Monica Rosu at drosu@eastman.com.