Eastman Chemical Company introduces its first commercially available product derived from GEM technology, the proprietary green manufacturing process and winner of the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemical Award in 2009 (Eastman GEM technology was formerly known as the Eastman green biocatalytic process).
Eastman GEM 2-ethylhexyl palmitate is a high quality material ideal for use in skin care and colour cosmetic applications. “We created Eastman GEM 2-ethylhexyl palmitate to meet the rising consumer and brand desire for sustainably manufactured cosmetic ingredients,” said Marcie Natale, biocatalysis platform manager, Eastman Chemical Company. “Our technology significantly removes waste, reduces energy use and GHG emissions. The beauty is in the process.” Eastman’s GEM Technology uses enzymatic technology and closely controlled manufacturing conditions to make esters, eliminating the high temperature and strong acids traditionally required in their manufacture. Esters are a vital building block in thousands of products. Eastman’s “gentler” technology consumes less energy while making high quality products, even when beginning with sensitive starting materials.
