Eastman launches kitchen appliances made with new generation Tritan

The new applications — a high-end blender and a food steamer — was displayed at Eastman’s booth at the 2013 International Home & Housewares Show (IHHS) held from March 2 to 5 in Chicago. Both products are made with Tritan, a new-generation copolyester that provides toughness, dishwasher durability and clarity, and is free of bisphenol A (BPA).

“We looked to Eastman Tritan copolyester because of the advantages the material offers for our customers,” said Mike Sanseverino, executive vice president, W.P. Appliances, Inc. “For these applications, we needed a material that was BPA-free, had toughness, glasslike clarity and dishwasher durability. These attributes parallel the high quality standards that are synonymous with the Wolfgang Puck brand.”

The 1.87-horsepower 1400-watt Electric Power Blender’s 68-ounce blending jar is made with Eastman Tritan copolyester, providing the toughness necessary in a product that is constantly handled and frequently can be dropped. Tritan also offers superior clarity, allowing chefs to clearly see the foods they are blending.

The 3-quart steaming trays on W.P. Appliances’ Rapid Steamer also are made with Eastman Tritan copolyester and contain removable stainless steel inserts that come in a three-tier configuration. The heat resistance of Tritan allows the trays to stand up to repeated dishwashing. The product uses a steam-injection technology in place of the standard steamers that boil water in a tray, found in most food steamers currently available.

“Eastman’s engineers provided technical expertise and advice to manufacturers from W.P. Appliances regarding the shapes and molding processes for their new product line, which helped demonstrate the processing advantages of Eastman Tritan copolyester,” said Marty Boykin, Ph.D., global business manager, durables business unit, Eastman Chemical Company. “Working together collaboratively from the start of the development process helps ensure that both companies’ high standards are met.”

W.P. Appliances and its customers have been pleased with the quality Eastman Tritan copolyester brings to small appliances, and the company is planning to use the material in more products under the Wolfgang Puck brand.