Eastman Chemical Company announced on November 14 that it will invest in upgrading and expanding its extrusion capabilities for Interlayers products at its Ghent, Belgium facility. This investment will strengthen Eastman's supply chain and position the site for future growth in both automotive and architecture segments. The project is expected to be completed by 2026. This strategic move is designed to bolster the company's supply chain and cater to the surging global demand for its Saflex polyvinyl butyral (PVB) products, particularly within the Automotive Premiums market.

The expansion project, slated for completion by 2026, will enable Eastman to strengthen its regional service capabilities in Europe, positioning the Ghent site for future growth in both automotive and architectural segments.

“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.

Eastman highlighted the increasing demand for its premium automotive products, particularly Saflex Horizon Vision for head-up displays. This surge is driven by significant trends like advanced connectivity, self-driving cars, and electric vehicles, Saflex color and solar portfolio, and innovative solutions like Evoca RSL for electric vehicles.

Eastman's Saflex interlayers, made of PVB film sandwiched between glass sheets, improve automotive and architectural glass in various ways, including sun protection, noise reduction, safety, security, and UV blocking. The Interlayers business, part of the Films division within Eastman's Advanced Materials segment, plays a crucial role in the company's growth strategy.

By investing in its European operations, Eastman aims to provide increased service differentiation for its customers and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced materials solutions. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to evolving market trends.

Eastman Chemical Company is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, known for delivering innovative solutions across a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, healthcare, electronics, and consumer products. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, Eastman was founded in 1920 and has grown into one of the largest and most respected chemical companies worldwide. The company's extensive product portfolio includes high-performance materials, specialty chemicals, additives, and polymers that help improve the quality of life, address environmental challenges, and enhance the performance of a wide array of consumer and industrial products.

Eastman operates in several key markets, offering products that are used in industries such as coatings, adhesives, plastics, textiles, and electronics. The company is renowned for its expertise in developing cutting-edge technologies that improve product safety, efficiency, and sustainability. One of its core areas of strength is additives and functional products, which are widely used in industries like automotive, personal care, and industrial coatings. Eastman provides plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants, and performance additives that improve the durability and safety of end products, enhancing both performance and consumer appeal.