US
Eastman Chemical Co. has figured out how to tweak the chemical process they use to transform wood pulp into acetate tow and turn it into textiles instead.
Naia, Eastman’s new material that performs like a synthetic fabric but has the comfort of natural fibers, is made from “renewable wood pulp,” and as such is considered to be eco-friendly.
Naia is one of 50 new fibers the company commercialized last year. Eastman c.e.o., Mark Costa, said, “Textiles is a way to repurpose our tow assets for the cigarette market into new, better growth markets. Our real goal is not just to stabilize fibers but turn it into a specialty growth business.” The company is forecasting 1-3% annual earnings growth from fibers through 2020.