Eastman to Discontinue Sorbates

Eastman to Discontinue Sorbates

KINGSPORT, Tenn.--Eastman Chemical Co. announced it is discontinuing itsproduction of sorbates, including all grades of potassium sorbate and sorbicacid. It will go into effect June 30 of this year, when the current sorbateinventories have been depleted.

"The sorbate product line has now been a low performer for Eastman forsome time," said Rob Carlstrom, business unit director for organicintermediates, in a statement. "With ample supply in the market, ourprojections for the sorbate product line continue to be unfavorable. Thedecision to exit sorbate production is in accord with Eastman's focus onrestructuring the portfolio to produce long-term value-creating growth."