Rubbermaid Commercial Products Launches Foodservice Industry's First Full Line of BPA-Free Food Contact Products for Commercial Kitchens

WINCHESTER, Va., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), the leader in solution-based commercial products, today announced the launch of the industry's first-ever BPA-Free commercial foodservice product line. RCP created the revolutionary product line in collaboration with Eastman Chemical Company using its Tritan^™ copolyester, a material free of Bisphenol A (BPA) that offers the highest quality, durability and clarity in the industry.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/CL98271 )   

"As BPA regulation becomes more strict and commonplace in state and federal legislation, Rubbermaid Commercial Products has invested considerable time and research into providing cost-effective, foodservice product solutions made of durable, BPA-Free plastic material," said Mark Jackmore, Vice President of Marketing, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. "The result is a completely BPA-Free product line that upholds RCP's highest durability and quality standards, while also providing our customers with sustainable, wellness-oriented solutions. The new products meet industry standards and commercial kitchens' needs for preparing, serving, storing and transporting food safely."

The new line of BPA-Free products will offer RCP's distinctive durability and design features. In extensive product testing, the products withstood washing in commercial dishwashers without cracking, were resistant to heat and harsh detergents and demonstrated less breaking, chipping and cracking from dropping or extended use. The innovative design offers glasslike clarity that will maintain its high-quality look throughout use.

Eastman Tritan™ copolyester has an inherent toughness that can help increase product life as well as reduce waste, allowing food service industry professionals to work more easily toward sustainability goals and initiatives. Tritan is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®.

Operators, chefs and national account purchasing directors can purchase more than 174 RCP BPA-Free foodservice products made with Eastman Tritan copolyester in four foodservice categories:

• Ingredient management
• Food pans, boxes and square containers
• ProServe™ line of products
• ProSave® line of products

RCP's BPA-Free foodservice product line will launch at the National Restaurant Association show, May 5-8.  Industry professionals, customers and media are invited to test and review the product, as well as see the durability of the product put to the test in an extreme performance product demonstration.  Matt Accarrino, James Beard Award Nominated Executive Chef and early-adopter of RCP's full BPA-Free product line, will also be on hand to speak with media and discuss the benefits of the products from a chef's point of view.

RCP is committed to the success of its foodservice partners and customers, as the first and only brand to bring 100 percent BPA-Free foodservice contact products to the commercial market. RCP continues to demonstrate that it is not only focused on being a partner for the smartest solutions, but also on ensuring its customers and end-users can switch to the new BPA-Free foodservice products easily.

To learn more about this collaboration and available products, visit RCP and Eastman at Booth 4260 during the National Restaurant Association Show May 5-8 in Chicago.

ABOUT Rubbermaid Commercial Products

Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Winchester, Va., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid's global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.  

ABOUT Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman's chemicals, fibers and plastics are used as key ingredients in products that people use every day. Approximately 10,000 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions. The company is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within the diverse markets and geographies it serves. A global company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had 2011 sales of $7.2 billion.

For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

SOURCE Rubbermaid Commercial Products