Eastman has developed several new high-quality, environmentally responsible specialty polymers, including Eastar Bio Copolyester 14766. Eastar Bio copolyester is a biodegradable traslucent polymer that can be blown or cast into a tough film, spun into fibers and netting, or injection-molded when combined with other materials. According to the company, the product fully degrades to CO2, H20, and biomass. Within 60 to 90 days in an active microbial environment, the polymer (in thin0film form) becomes invisible ot the unaided eye and ultimately biodegrades. Practical applications include limited service-life products such as yard and leaf bags and geotextiles. The company touts the light weight of Eastar bio copolyester bags, which hold up under wet conditions, as well as their dart and tear resistance, heat-sealability, and the product's soft texture. The thermoplastic resin contains no migratory plasticizers, fillers or additives and leaves no harmful residues. For more information visit: htpp://www.eastman.com

Results of liner leak location surveys

Andrew Russo has been named national sales and engineering manager for the company's Engineered Membranes Division, Peter has been promoted to national sales manager for Cooley Sign & Digital Products, Elise Varone has been named national accounts manager and Mary Varao has been named account manager.

IFAI's Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) is a unique consensus-building organization that promotes the technical and economic benefits of geosynthetics to the user community and, in turn, assists in building stronger civil infrastructures in a cost-efficient manner. Since its inception, GMA has focused on developing cost-effective, yet innovative ways to reach new and existing markets for geosynthetic materials and concepts. For more information, contact Danette Fettig: drfettig@ifai.com, website: http://www.ifai.com

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabric Industry, Cary, NC, has released 2000 Analysis: The Nonwovens Industry in North America, which provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the field of nonwovens. The report offers an overview of North American nonwovens' consumption (valued at $3.8 billion in 2000), a study of the roll-goods markets by end-use, information and long-life market, goetextiles, a look at the state and changing positions of nonwoven processes (needlepunch, spunlace, etc.), and a review of the year's top 10 roll-goods producers. INDA offers a discounted price to its members. For more information, contact INDA, P.O. Box 1288, Cary, NC 27512, 919-233-1210, website: http://www.inda.org

A Market Survey and Analysis, market size, historical data, forecasts to 2004, market shares, company profiles, and competitive information. Included in the table of contents are: Polyethylenes, Polypropylene, Industry sources of Information, Directory of 1503 Plastics Companies and Cross Reference. Also available in cd rom or book are: Adhesives and Sealants USA (2/00) and Packaging USA (6/97). Visit http://www.impactmarket.com for ordering information. Learn more here.;

Shop On-Line at IFAI Bookstore for geosynthetic books, videos, CD-Rom's and conference proceedings. Click, order, read and succeed. Www.bookstore.ifai.com Learn more here.;

PVC Geomembrane Institute Tech Notes this month discusses a new Brown Bag program being designed by the institute for Engineering students. University of Illinois student working on the durability of PVC geomembrane for his Ph.D. If you would like to read more about these topics or to receive the Tech Notes e-news letter monthly please e-mail: pgi@ce.uiuc.edu

Effective July 2, 2201 ACASPA's new details are: Level 1, 141 Chapel Street, St. Kilda, Vic 3182, Telephone 03-9593-9733, fax 03-9593-8033, Email: acaspa@alphalink.com.au, Web: www.acaspa.com.au, National Number: 1-300-555-787. Please update your records

All six winners of the US nonwovens industry's Achievement Awards presented at the recent IDEA01 exhibition won with products associated either directly or indirectly with industrial applications. Derek Ward reports from Miami Beach, Florida. Two European companies were among the six which won Achievement Awards at IDEA01. The Hyperpunch needleloom, which employs an elliptical needle beam movement in manufacturing synthetic leathers, spunbonds, papermakers felts and various types of fleece fabrics, brought an award for Dilo Systems Group, Germany. Colbond of the Netherlands, an international suppliers of geotextiles was granted an award for its recently introduced Enkagrid soil reinforcement materials.