Recently, Eastman announced that the company will invest in upgrading its interlayer film extrusion line in Massachusetts, USA, and expand the production capacity of the interlayer film business. This investment aims to strengthen Eastman's supply capacity and meet the demand for Saflex polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer film products in the regional and global automotive and construction markets.
Travis Smith, vice president and general manager of the thin film division of Eastman, said that the investment will also enhance the production capacity of special PVB interlayer products for construction and automobiles, including thickened interlayer films and advanced 3-layer interlayer films. The upgrade project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021. "The global demand for special interlayer film products is increasing. For this reason, we continue to strengthen our regional service capabilities, invest and upgrade production facilities to meet the needs of laminated glass manufacturers for high-performance, high-quality products."
The Saflex interlayer film is made of PVB and is used in the production of laminated glass. Automobile laminated glass with Eastman PVB interlayer film has many advantages and is an important part of Eastman's specialty materials business.