The deal concerns all cosmetic and personal care products manufactured via Eastman’s GEM technology.
Eastman GEM technology redefines sustainable manufacturing processes for the cosmetics and personal care industries, utilizing enzymatic biocatalysis and mild manufacturing conditions which eliminates high temperatures, strong acids, and unwanted by-products.
"This is a great milestone for Eastman GEM technology," says Marcie Natale, biocatalysis platform manager, Eastman.
"Reaching distribution agreements with Ross Organic further emphasizes Eastman's commitment to providing innovative and sustainable products to the cosmetics and personal care industries."
According to Eastman, the advantages of GEM 2-ethylhexyl palmitate compared to a traditional manufacturing process are reductions in:
- CO2 emissions by 52 percent
- Energy consumption by 59 percent
- Waste generation by 93 percent
- Process water used by 100 percent
The Eastman GEM technology has been the recipient of two sustainability awards: The EPA's Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2009 and Lipscomb University named the technology 'Sustainable Product of the Year' In March 2012.
Ross Organic has been active in the sales of eco-friendly, natural, mild and value-added specialty ingredients in the cosmetic and personal care industry for many years. The agreement with Ross Organic will include US customers West of the Mississippi River.
"We're extremely pleased to represent Eastman," says Stephanie Ross Leshney, president and CEO, Ross Organic. "The addition of the Eastman GEM product line helps us meet the consumer demand for sustainable, innovative and efficacious ingredients."