Eastman Chemical Company has recently announced a significant investment aimed at upgrading and expanding its extrusion capabilities for interlayer product lines at its manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium.
This strategic move is set to enhance Eastman’s supply capabilities to meet the burgeoning regional and global demand for Saflex™ polyvinyl butyral (PVB) products, specifically within the automotive premium market. The completion of this project is anticipated by 2026.
Meeting Growing Demand
The decision to expand in Ghent aligns with Eastman’s commitment to support the rising global demand for specialty interlayer products. According to Sabine Ketsman, division president of Eastman’s Films business, this investment will not only strengthen the company’s regional service capabilities in Europe but will also bolster its asset capabilities to meet the needs of glass laminators. The commitment to innovation is crucial as the demand for high-performance, high-quality interlayer products keeps increasing. 
Eastman’s focus on automotive applications is particularly noteworthy at this juncture. As macro trends in connectivity, autonomous driving, and electrification continue to shape the industry, the demand for Eastman’s Automotive Premium products—such as Saflex Horizon Vision for head-up displays, Saflex color and solar portfolio, and new innovations like Evoca™ RSL for electric vehicles—grows substantially. The investment signifies a proactive approach to harness these emerging opportunities and further the company’s innovation-driven growth strategy.
Enhancing Product Offerings
Saflex interlayers, formed by laminating PVB films between two sheets of glass, play a pivotal role in enhancing both automotive and architectural glass lamination. These interlayers offer critical benefits including solar control, sound reduction, safety, security, and UV protection. As a segment of Eastman’s Advanced Materials business unit, the Films division is integral to the company’s overarching mission of delivering innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.
By expanding the Ghent facility, Eastman aims to establish itself as a leading provider of high-performance interlayer products, thereby improving service differentiation for its customers. This initiative reflects not only the current trends in the automotive market but also Eastman’s long-term vision for growth within both automotive and architectural segments.
The expansion of Eastman Chemical Company’s extrusion capabilities in Ghent is a clear indication of the company’s dedication to innovation and responsiveness to market demands. As the production of Saflex™ PVB interlayers ramps up, Eastman is poised to support the evolving needs of the automotive industry while also addressing architectural applications. This investment will undoubtedly enhance Eastman’s competitive edge and further solidify its position as a leader in specialty materials. The completion of this facility is eagerly anticipated, with expectations that it will foster new opportunities and advancements in both product offerings and service delivery.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company with additional information added by GlassBalkan
