Eastman celebrates the opening of its new Innovation Center at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park/Campus A.

Ghent - 19 April 2018. Eastman Chemical opens its new European Innovation Center in Zwijnaarde on Friday 20 April. The global specialty chemicals group is thus investing in further growth in Belgium, in order to even better able to develop new applications and products for existing and new markets.

Over the years, Eastman has set up important economic activities in Belgium for the development, production and sales of specialty chemicals. In Belgium approx.1000 people work for Eastman, of which around 700 in Ghent. In addition to three production sites (two in Ghent and one in Antwerp), Eastman also has three laboratories in the Ghent region.

Eastman has been working with the various research groups at Ghent University for many years, including veterinary medicine, chemical process technology, polymer processing and crop protection. Because of this close collaboration and the shared vision on the importance of innovation, Eastman has established its latest technology department in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde.

Peter Roose, Director of Global Research & Business Development at Eastman: "We have chosen to establish our new innovation lab in the Bio-Accelerator at the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde. The decision to establish our new laboratory here is the result of years of fruitful collaboration between Eastman and the various research groups at Ghent University. Currently there are about 20 people working in our new lab facilities and we hope to double this number within a period of 3 to 5 years”.

The new innovation lab will focus on the development of products and applications for coatings, inks, plastics, agrochemicals, personal care, energy and pet food.

"Innovation remains one of the essential activities to ensure the growth of an ambitious company such as Eastman. We have the privilege to work with talented and creative people, customers and academics around us. The new innovation lab ensures that important opportunities are used to remain an innovative company”, says Peter Roose.

Open day

The official opening, with about 120 guests, will take place on Friday evening 20 April. On Saturday 21 April, Eastman organizes an Open House, during which the new laboratory can be visited by the general public. Anyone who would like to learn more about chemistry and its applications in daily life is most welcome. Visitors must register via this link.