Eastman And Univar Sign Agreement For Methanol Marketing

Kingsport, Tenn. (April 28, 2004) - Eastman Chemical Company has entered into a marketing agreement with Univar USA Inc. in which Univar will act as Eastman's exclusive distributor for methanol in the United States. The agreement guarantees Univar a U.S. source for "traceable" methanol from Eastman's Tennessee manufacturing facilities.

"Certain industries such as pharmaceuticals and food ingredients have unique market requirements for product traceability. We are working with Univar to provide those customers with a guaranteed U.S.-based source of methanol that can be traced all the way back to its original manufacturing plant and lot," said Travis Smith, Eastman's global acetyls business manager.

This partnership is significant to Univar as many North American producers are discontinuing U.S.-based methanol production. Imported parcels, commingled and stored in shore tanks, will be the dominant supply option for most U.S. customers. "This poses a problem for pharmaceutical companies that require product traceability," said Tom Nist, Univar's director of marketing – pharmaceutical industry. "With the Eastman distribution agreement, Univar can provide these customers with a traceable source of material, from a respected producer, that will provide a long-term supply position."

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals and fibers worldwide. The company employs approximately 15,000 people in more than 30 countries and had 2003 sales of US$5.8 billion. Visit Eastman's Web site at www.eastman.com for more information about the company.

Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., Univar USA is the leading distributor of industrial chemicals and related services in the United States. It is a subsidiary of Univar N.V., one of the world's leading independent distributors of industrial chemicals and providers of related specialty services, operating throughout the U.S., Canada and 14 European countries. Univar N.V.'s 2003 revenues and group operating income (EBITA) were $4.7 billion and $117.0 million, respectively. Visit Univar's Web site at www.univarusa.com for more information about the company.