Eastman Product Receives The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) is pleased to announce that its Frost & Sullivan award-winning Saflex^® S series solar absorbing polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer has received a second recognition: The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.  According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, Saflex S series PVB is the first automotive-grade PVB to earn this recognition.  A key criterion to receive the Seal of Recommendation is that Saflex S series interlayer products block 99%+ of UVA and UVB radiation.  PVB is a key component in all laminated windshields globally, and usage is increasing in other areas, such as door and roof glass, primarily for solar and acoustic reasons. 

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually in the U.S. One person dies of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, every hour in the U.S. and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.  While UVB is the primary cause of sunburn, data strongly suggests UVA may initiate and exacerbate the development of skin cancer.  The Foundation also notes that most non-laminated, tempered automotive windows are proven to block UVB, but transmit more than 60% of the sun's UVA. 

"Arbitron data indicates that Americans spend more than 15 hours per week in their vehicles on average - a full month every year," said Tom Selm, Director, Business Management, Advanced Interlayers for Eastman.  "Saflex S series PVB enables automotive OEMs and specialty vehicle manufacturers to offer consumers an internationally recognized, factory-installed option to help protect against UVA exposure.   Eastman is honored to join The Skin Cancer Foundation in educating the public on risks of UVA exposure."

Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass held together by PVB, forming a strong bond that tends to stay together even after breakage occurs.  For decades, it has been mandated in windshields by NHTSA and the international community for safety reasons.  Today, most automotive side and roof windows are made of single pane tempered glass, which transmits significant amounts of UVA.  UVA risk while driving was highlighted a recent New England Journal of Medicine analysis showing significant damage to the left side of a trucker's face from prolonged UVA exposure through his side window.  http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1104059

Saflex S series interlayers are also available in an acoustic version, Saflex Q Series Solar.  The interlayer provides a threefold benefit by blocking solar UV and IR (heat), while reducing noise that enters the vehicle through the glass. Reduced cabin noise from wind noise and other external sources allows hands-free phone systems, voice-activated and other specially tuned audio systems to work more effectively. Saflex^® S series and Saflex Q series solar products can be used in all automotive glazing applications including the windscreen, sunroof, rear and side glass.  It is a drop-in solution that also provides improved cabin comfort, fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, enabling automotive OEMs to receive USA EPA credit toward fleet CO₂ emissions targets. 

About Eastman:
As of July 2, 2012, Eastman completed the acquisition of Solutia Inc. which now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company.  For additional product information, including product brochures, technical data, product offering and samples, please visit www.saflex.com/solar .

Eastman is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a broad range of advanced materials, additives and functional products, specialty chemicals, and fibers that are found in products people use every day. As a world leader in the diverse markets it serves, Eastman is focused on delivering innovative and technology-based solutions while maintaining its commitment to safety and sustainability. Serving customers in approximately 100 countries, Eastman had 2011 pro forma revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.3 billion. The company is based in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and, with the completion of the Solutia acquisition, now employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com .

About Frost & Sullivan:
Frost & Sullivan determined Eastman has distinguished itself by developing S Series PVB Interlayer- an innovative, drop-in solution for automotive OEMs to meet the challenge of increasing global fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions regulations.  Frost & Sullivan is a global growth consulting company with more than 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies. The Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating achievement and superior performance in areas such as industry leadership and innovation. Industry analysis compares market participants and measures performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.  The award was presented during the 2012 Excellence in Best Practices Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Boston, Mass., on July 18, 2012.

SOURCE Eastman Chemical Company