MATERIALS PROGRAMME LETS DESIGNERS EXPLORE SCENTED PLASTIC SAMPLES
02 November 2004 - Eastman Chemical Company

As part of its ‘Material Difference Programme’ Eastman is offering cellulosic plastic samples that encapsulated fragrances.

Colours for the samples were selected to match the mood created by the aromatherapy type scents. These include ‘tranquil escape’, (lime and geranium), ‘high energy’ (grapefruit and jasmine) and ‘stress free’ (lavender and vanilla) with matching green, citrus and lavender colours.

'Designers can now experience the variety of sensory qualities, to include fragrance, that are possible using cellulosic materials,' said Gaylon White, manager of Eastman's design industry programmes. 'Cellulosics, which Eastman developed back in the 1930s, can have an almost handcrafted natural feel. Designers unfamiliar with the material will find it inspiring.'

Available scented, unscented and in a variety of colours, Eastman's palm-of-your-hand sized ‘pebble’ samples are the first phase of the Material Difference Programme for the design community. The scented pebbles were developed in collaboration with Rotuba Extruders of Linden, New Jersey. Rotuba has in-depth expertise in encapsulating fragrance.

Introduced by Eastman and Rotuba at the Industrial Designers Society of America National Conference and Gallery in Pasadena, California, the scented pebbles were a big hit with product designers and brand owners. 'There was ‘pebblemania’, a strong indicator that the time is ripe for products with an extra sensory appeal,' says Adam Bell, president and CEO of Rotuba.

'Designers from a variety of industries expressed interest in the potential of scented cellulose plastics for their products.'

Designers wanting samples of Eastman's cellulosic plastic, the first in the sampling programme, can now get a multi-coloured set of pebbles that demonstrate the material's unique tactile qualities. Each pebble is made of two fitted halves, allowing a designer to mix just some of the colours and fragrances that are possible with cellulosics.

http://www.eastman.com

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