Eastman Chemical and Ross Organic sign distribution agreement

Eastman Chemical Company announces an exclusive distribution agreement with Ross Organic for cosmetic and personal care products manufactured via Eastman GEM™ technology. Ross Organic is a proven and respected leader in the sales of eco-friendly, natural, mild and value-added specialty ingredients in the cosmetic and personal care industry. The agreement with Ross Organic will include US customers West of the Mississippi River.

"This is a great milestone for Eastman GEM™ technology," says Marcie Natale, biocatalysis platform manager, Eastman. "Reaching distribution agreements with Ross Organic further emphasizes Eastman's commitment to providing innovative and sustainable products to the cosmetics and personal care industries."

Eastman GEM™ technology redefines sustainable manufacturing processes for the cosmetics and personal care industries. The technology utilizes enzymatic biocatalysis and mild manufacturing conditions which eliminates high temperatures, strong acids, and unwanted by-products. For example, the advantages of GEM™ 2-ethylhexyl palmitate compared to a traditional manufacturing process are reductions in:

• CO2 emissions by 52%
• Energy consumption by 59%
• Waste generation by 93%
• Process water used by 100%

Eastman GEM™ technology has been the recipient of two sustainability awards: The EPA's Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2009 and Lipscomb University named the technology 'Sustainable Product of the Year' In March 2012.

"We're extremely pleased to represent Eastman," says Stephanie Ross Leshney, President and CEO, Ross Organic. "The addition of the Eastman GEM™ product line helps us meet the consumer demand for sustainable, innovative and efficacious ingredients."