Perennial Wood debuts at International Builders' Show

Tests show its durability rivals teak

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 2/8/2012 9:22:57 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. — Wednesday, in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders'  International Builders' Show, Eastman announced the availability of Perennial Wood for use by furniture manufacturers in their outdoor furniture lines or by builders for decking uses.

Perennial Wood is real wood that's been modified with TruLast Technology to stand up to the elements, resist moisture and remain dimensionally stable for decades. It offers furniture manufacturers a long-lasting, attractive, U.S.-sourced wood for their casual and outdoor furniture lines.

Outdoor furniture made of Perennial Wood stands up to nature's damaging effects without compromising the beauty and character of the wood. "Perfect for outdoor furniture applications, Perennial Wood stands up to nature's damaging effects without compromising the beauty and character of the wood," said Brant Mitchell, market development manager for Perennial Wood furniture. "According to third-party tests, Perennial Wood stays truer-to-form than teak when subjected to the elements, demonstrating greater dimensional stability. This will appeal to both manufacturers and consumers."

Harvested from Southern pine, a renewable resource, Perennial Wood is not an artificial composite nor is it molded from plastic and/or pressure-treated with heavy metals. It cuts, mills and works just like other woods, meaning manufacturers won't need special tools or machines to work with Perennial Wood. Because it has 25% greater surface hardness, and is three times more resistant to shrinking and swelling than unmodified wood, furniture made with Perennial Wood will hold its shape and stand the test of time.

Eastman is currently collaborating with award-winning designer Eric Pfeiffer to create furniture collections specifically designed to exhibit the wood's beauty, durability and function. Eastman and Pfeiffer will be working with selected manufacturers to produce the collections, which they expect to be available to retailers in the fall of 2012.

Eastman is also now accepting inquiries from furniture manufacturers interested in incorporating Perennial wood into their outdoor furniture offerings. Inquiries may be directed to info@PerennialWood.com.

Perennial Wood is made and manufactured by Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), a Fortune 500 company with more than 80 years of history in acetylating wood pulp. In 2010, 13% of Eastman's total revenues were derived from sales of raw materials to the building and construction industry. Eastman is actively engaged with Responsible Care and is committed to continuously improving its sustainability performance through innovative, environmentally and socially responsible solutions. For more information, visit PerennialWood.com or call 800-530-7495.