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Zacks Equity Research. September 22, 2014, 12:30 PM. Eastman Chemical ( EMN) has completed its earlier announced expansion of Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer capacity at the Texas City

Tennessee-based Eastman Chemical Co has successfully completed a further expansion of the manufacturing capacity for its Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer at its Kingsport, TN, USA, facility. The company says the capacity increase is in response to growing demand for alternatives to ortho-phthalate plasticizers.

Alternatives to phthalate plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride are in demand, and suppliers are reacting swiftly. This week, plastics and chemicals supplier Eastman announced it had completed expansion of its capacity for these additives, and Germany's Oxea says it is expanding capacity at an existing line while also starting construction on a new one. Plasticizer demand globally adds up

Eastman acquired its Texas City site on the U.S. Gulf Coast through its purchase of Sterling Chemical, Inc. in August 2011 and restarted idled plasticizer manufacturing capacity to produce non-phthalate plasticizers including Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer shortly afterwards.

An oxo derivative, 2-EH is used in end products such as plasticizers, like Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer, 2 ethylhexyl acrylate, and additives for fuels and lube oils. End markets for 2-EH include building and construction, transportation, medical, consumables, and durable goods manufacture.