Eastman Chemical To License Energx Polyethylene Technology To Chevron

Eastman Chemical Co. (Kingsport, TN) has signed a letter of intent to license its proprietary Energx polyethylene technology to Chevron Chemical Co. LLC (San Ramon, CA). Negotiations are currently in progress.

Phillip Griswold, VP and general manager of Eastman's Flexible Plastics business, believes that Energx polyethylene technology can be used in gas-phase LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) facilities to produce high performance LLDPE and HDPE (high density polyethylene).

Eastman currently uses the technology in its popular Eastman Hifor and Eastman Hifor Xtreme polymers family of products. Eastman Hifor polymers, introduced in 1997, are suited for packaging snack and frozen food; clarity film for produce, baked goods, and refrigerated foods like meat and cheese; bag-in-the box applications; and for high-strength industrial applications.

Licensing Energx polyethylene technology to Chevron supports Eastman's goal of leveraging its technology portfolio, according to Eastman chairman and CEO Earnest Deavenport. "Licensing Eastman technology is consistent with our strategy to achieve more stable and predictable earnings with lower capital intensity."

Eastman manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals, and fibers.

For more information, call Eastman Chemical at 423-229-6326.