2013-02-26 15:55:31 -

KINGSPORT, Tenn., February 26, 2013 - Eastman Chemical Company announced the
signing of a master agreement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill to conduct research in chemistry and materials science.

The agreement provides a minimum of $1.5 million over six years to support
collaborations between Eastman scientists and UNC scientists, staff and
students. Those collaborations include research projects, visits to both the UNC
campus and Eastman manufacturing facilities and identifying and applying for
federal or other funding opportunities. This collaboration was modeled after and
complements the previously announced agreement between Eastman and North
Carolina State University.

"We're excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to Eastman,"
said
Dr. Greg W. Nelson, senior vice president and chief technology officer at
Eastman Chemical Company.  "Teaming with a leading university like UNC furthers
Eastman's   commitment to world-class open innovation that brings new ideas and
technologies to market more quickly than traditional approaches."

"We are pleased to be collaborating with Eastman and look forward to the
advances in research and technology that we can make together," said Barbara
Entwisle, vice chancellor for research at UNC. "This is a perfect example of how
partnerships with industry can benefit both the University and the private
sector."

"We are always looking for ways to broaden our relationships and reach creative
minds," said Dr. Stewart Witzeman, director of the Eastman Innovation Center.
"Our agreement with UNC continues to expand our network of innovation partners.
It sets both a model and a tone for how we want to work with others."

Faculty members from UNC's Department of Chemistry will periodically submit
research proposals in response to Eastman developed problem statements or
'Requests for Proposals' (RFPs).  UNC proposals will then be selected for
funding each year by Eastman. The first decisions about the projects are
expected to be made in the spring.

"The Department of Chemistry is excited, pleased and eager to begin this long-
term partnership with Eastman," said Dr. Valerie Sheares Ashby, chair of the UNC
chemistry department in the College of Arts and Sciences. "We feel that our
faculty, postdoctoral associates and students will bring a tremendous amount of
expertise and a spirit of innovation to this collaboration, resulting in
benefits for Eastman, the department and for each of the researchers involved."

Eastman's agreement with UNC follows a similar partnership for cutting-edge
research with North Carolina State University. The Eastman Innovation Center
will open on N.C. State's Centennial Campus in spring 2013.

About Eastman

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of
products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty
businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and
solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its
market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and
leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and
construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior
value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves
customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined
revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1
billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs
approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit
www.eastman.com.

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and opened
its doors for students in 1795 as the nation's first public university. The
University serves North Carolina, the United States and the world through
teaching, research and public service, and embraces an unwavering commitment to
excellence as one of the world's great research universities. UNC's mission is
to serve as a center for research, scholarship and creativity and to teach a
diverse community of undergraduate, graduate and professional students to become
the next generation of leaders. Through the efforts of exceptional faculty and
staff, and with generous support from North Carolina's citizens, the University
invests its knowledge and resources to enhance access to learning and to foster
the success and prosperity of each rising generation. UNC also extends
knowledge-based services and other resources of the University to the citizens
of North Carolina and their institutions to enhance the quality of life for all
people in the state. For more information, visit unc.edu.


Contact Information:
Brad Belote
Eastman Chemical Company
jbelote@eastman.com
423-229-8801

Scott Ragland
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
scott_ragland@unc.edu
919-962-0027



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Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Thomson Reuters ONE
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