Eastman copolyester receives “favourable opinion” from Canadian government

The Eastman Chemical Company has said its copolyester, Eastman Tritan, has been approved for use in food contact applications by the Canadian government.

The polymer has received a “favourable opinion” for use in specified food contact applications from the Canadian Food Directorate.

While not a legal requirement, obtaining a “favourable opinion” from the government is a means of ensuring customers that a material has been evaluated and deemed acceptable from a chemical safety standpoint, the Kingsport, Tenn.-based company continued.

According to Eastman Chemical, the material can be used in a broad range of applications including housewares and appliances, and offers clarity and toughness and has higher heat and chemical resistance and is easier to process.

The company said that products molded with its copolyester could be repeatedly washed without crazing, cracking and hazing.

“Products that come into contact with food and beverages must undergo stringent safety testing and review prior to clearance for use,” said Deborah Baum Crain, Eastman Chemical’s director of copolyester innovation. “We are pleased to have Health Canada join the list of governmental agencies that have deemed this innovative product acceptable from a chemical safety standpoint for use in specified food contact applications.”

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