Scented Packaging Encapsulates Sensory Appeal and Promotes Consumer Purchasing Power in Eastman’s Specialty Plastics
March 21, 2006
KINGSPORT, Tenn. -- Eastman Chemical Company has introduced Chocolatine, a new marketing concept using The Glass Polymer specialty copolyester, to deliver encapsulated fragrances in packaging for the cosmetics and personal care markets. Chocolatine incorporates a variety of market innovations, enabling brand owners the opportunity to create sensory appeal through scented packaging and, therefore, encouraging a true impulse purchasing decision. The Chocolatine launch combines expertise from Eastman and three other companies: Rotuba Extruders of Linden, N.J.; Eurofragance of Spain; and EJ Pack of South Korea.
Chocolatine is a clear injection blow-molded jar containing a scented cream with chocolate, vanilla and orange fragrances. The sample also includes a jar cap that encapsulates and diffuses a perfumed scent matching the cream contents. While Chocolatine is not currently slated for commercial availability and use, the application is intended to showcase the latest available technologies that offer product differentiation and appeal in high-end markets.
"By collaborating with the right partners, Eastman is demonstrating how it can successfully develop ideas and overcome problems," said Valerie Bouvignies, cosmetics and personal care marketing manager, Europe, Eastman. "We now have a winning combination of products and the technical ability to add an extra functionality to packaging that has yet to be implemented by the industry. The technologies showcased in the Chocolatine jar offer brand owners exciting new opportunities for competitive differentiation by means of innovative packaging."
Chocolatine is one of the first standard jars produced by EJ Pack using The Glass Polymer through the injection blow-molding process. The Glass Polymer combines high-end aesthetic qualities, including exceptional clarity at dense wall thickness, with impact and chemical resistance. The injection blow-molding process affords complex design flexibility that is not feasible through injection molding alone.
The jar lid features two distinct parts: an interior portion fabricated using The Glass Polymer; and a scented exterior made with Auracell scented natural polymer, a durable specialty encapsulating material developed by Rotuba to disperse complex fragrances. Auracell uses Eastman's Tenite cellulosic material, a plastic derived from softwood tree pulp that boasts a high level of sensory attributes including clarity, audile and tactile qualities of wood, dense wall thickness, depth of coloration, chemical resistance and excellent processability.
"We are seeing major interest in this high-end fragrance delivery system that is suitable for premium applications in a wide range of industries," said Hugh O'Neill, director of cellulosics sales, Rotuba. "Although fragrances have been used in packaging and other applications in the past, they were not in vogue then. Today's marketplace understands the importance of scent and fragrance as demonstrated by the increased sales of scented candles and oils."
Developed by Eurofragance of Spain, the fragrance combines the complex, warm fragrance of dark chocolate with a mild hint of vanilla and cacao, and a delicate touch of orange to convey a natural gentleness and freshness. Eurofragance's formulations for the cream product and the jar lid demonstrate the abilities of The Glass Polymer in a host of applications.
About EJ Pack
EJ Pack was founded 20 years ago in South Korea and specializes in the production of plastic containers. By investing in research and development, EJ Pack is driving innovation in both production and automation.
About Rotuba Extruders
Rotuba is a privately owned company incorporated in 1945 with headquarters and manufacturing located in Linden, New Jersey. They also have representation in Asia and Europe with warehousing facilities in Asia. Rotuba has been producing Cellulose Acetate since 1955, more than 40 years. Rotuba is the largest independent producer of cellulosics in the world and recently launched scented cellulosics under the product brand Auracell™.
About Eurofragance
Eurofragance, founded in 1990 in Spain, is devoted to the design and manufacture of fragrances and flavors. Managed by a family with more than 35 years of experience, Eurofragance has succeeded in "capturing sensations" in many places around the world.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is the world's largest producer of PET polymers for packaging; and is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2005 sales of $7 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.
