Eastman has announced a strategic partnership with Huafon Chemical to establish a joint manufacturing facility in China for the production of Naia cellulose acetate filament yarns. The collaboration aims to localise production and accelerate product innovation, enhancing Eastman’s capabilities in the world’s largest textile supply chain hub.

“China is a frontier for product and technology innovation,” said Ruth Farrell, general manager of Eastman’s Textiles business. “This partnership will increase capacity, boost innovation and help deliver on our promise to make sustainable textiles accessible to all.”

The venture will allow for a more agile supply chain and improved responsiveness to regional demand for high-quality, sustainable textile materials. Huafon’s director for the Huafon-Eastman collaboration programme, Congdeng Yang, said the partnership would integrate local advantages with international expertise to achieve a fully localised chain from innovation to production and service, supporting the sustainable development of the textile sector.

Eastman, founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, operates in over 100 countries and reported 2024 revenue of $9.4 billion. Huafon Chemical, a subsidiary of Huafon Group established in 1999, specialises in spandex fibre, PU resin and adipic acid, with operations in South Korea, Turkey and Pakistan, and production bases in Zhejiang and Chongqing.

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