In the wake of its May 2010 takeover of speciality plasticiser manufacturer Genovique Specialities Corporation (Rosemount, Illinois / USA; www.genovique.com), Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, Tennessee / USA; www.eastman.com) announced that it has completed an 11,000 t/y capacity expansion at its “Benzoflex” plasticiser line in Kohtla-Järve / Estonia. Eastman had acquired the line when it bought Genovique.

“The additional Benzoflex capacity will allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of customers who are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional phthalate plasticisers,” said Ron Lindsay, executive vice president of Eastman’s Performance Polymers and Chemical Intermediates division.

“Benzoflex” is a benzoate ester plasticiser used in adhesives, sealants and caulks as well as PVC applications like vinyl flooring.