Eastman unveils new sustainable manufacturing technology

The company says that new ingredients in its product pipeline will be formulated using the Gem technology, with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint of each product and creating a cleaner manufacturing process.

The technology has been specifically focused for esters, a building block in the formulation of many different types of cosmetic and personal care products.

Green manufacturing principles​

Integral to the system is enzymatic technology and green manufacturing principles, which are used to manufacture esters without the need for the high temperatures and acids associated with conventional processes, thus reducing both material and energy costs.

The company is planning to launch ingredients in the color cosmetics and skin care markets during the course of 2011 – a number of which are expected to be platformed for the first time at the in-cosmetics show, in Milan, Italy, at the end of this month.

Further product launches incorporating the manufacturing technology are planned for the rest of the year, including product extensions designed for new markets and other applications.

EPA Green Chemistry Award​

Eastman Gem was formerly referred to as the company’s green biocatalytic process, and was awarded the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2009, in recognition of the fact that it incorporates the body’s 12 principles of green chemistry, focusing on design, manufacture and use.

“The technology is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to create more sustainable manufacturing and innovative solutions for our customers,”​ said Marcie Natale, biocatalytic platform manager at Eastman.

“With this technology in place, waste, energy, water consumption and greenhouse gas emission are significantly reduced providing sustainable benefits,” she​ added.