For traditional copolyester, glass transition temperature is low to limit its application in high temperature. Maybe polycarbonate would be an appropriate choice due to high transition temperature. But polycarbonate contains bisphenol A (BPA) which is a xenoestrogen, exhibiting estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties. The US FDA has ended its authorization of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging. The European Union and Canada have banned BPA use in baby bottles.

In 2007, Eastman Chemical launched Tritan^TM copolyester series which contains 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO) monomer can solve the foregoing problems. Tritan^TM is tested by accredited universities and independent third-party labs, and the results overwhelmingly demonstrate that it is safe and, in separate studies, free of BPA and bisphenol S (BPS).

Tritan^TM is a new generation copolyester which has a unique balance of properties, such as great chemical resistance with easy processing, clarity, toughness, improved heat resistance as well as BPA-free. And Tritan^TM is used in many areas, such as housewares, medical, infant care, consumer durables, etc.

In 2016, Eastman successfully launched another business product-Tetrashield^TM. The product demonstrates superior performance in gloss, paint durability and emissions was also developed from CBDO-based copolyester. Tetrashield^TM is an innovation breakthrough in coatings technology which can apply in automotive, metal packaging and so on. It is also free of BPA with superior shelf life and durability compared to competitive alternatives in food packaging for greater product safety.

At present, only Tritan^TM and Tetrashield^TM had been marketed by Eastman. They are widely used in hundreds of products. With the development of technology, there will be more CBDO-based copolyester to market.

Edited by Suzhou Yacoo Science Co., Ltd.