Skullcandy launches Riff Headphone with ultradurable headband made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester
KINGSPORT, Tenn., March 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Global specialty plastics provider Eastman collaborated with Skullcandy, the original lifestyle audio brand, to create a new wireless headphone that lives up to the brand’s design pillar of “built for adventure” due to the inherent toughness and chemical resistance of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. Available now, the Riff Wireless On-Ear Headphone blends simplicity with technology by providing an accessible product for youthful consumers who have high expectations for durability.
“We’re seeing an emerging pattern of consumers caring about the ingredients in both consumables and durable products such as electronic devices,” said Alex Dudal, Eastman market development manager. “Skullcandy is on trend with its commitment to quality materials like Tritan copolyester, proven to be superior to other polymers when it comes to strength and durability.”
Tritan-enabled durability aligns with consumer preferences. Tritan is a BPA-free, tough, fatigue-resistant polymer found in products made by companies such as CamelBak, NuGlass and Elcam, a leading global manufacturer of medical technology. Tritan offers high performance properties, including clarity, colorability, durability, ductility and chemical resistance to skin oils and hair products. Tritan is the material of choice for applications across markets, including housewares, appliances, medical packaging and devices, cosmetics, and consumer electronics.
“Through our consumer segmentation, our research indicated that our youngest consumers have the highest need for durability in headphones,” said Jeff Hutchings, chief product officer of Skullcandy, “so we sought Tritan as the best material choice to serve their needs.”
Eastman’s philosophy is to embed with original equipment manufacturers and brands to facilitate product development and resolve issues before products go to market. This hands-on approach results in successful market launches such as Skullcandy’s recent Riff Headphone roll out. Consumer electronics sales, a bellwether of overall consumer demand, typically peak in November and December.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastmanemploys approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2018 revenues of approximately $10 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit eastman.com.
About Skullcandy
Skullcandy is the original lifestyle audio brand that lives by its mission to not just listen to music but to feel it. Founded at the center of music and board sports, Skullcandy drives innovation in audio experiences from groundbreaking, immersive technology in its headphones to once-in-a-lifetime music events featuring emerging artists that inspire and move its culture forward. Based in Park City, Utah, Skullcandy designs, markets, and distributes audio products through a variety of distribution channels globally with international offices in Tokyo, Zurich, London, Shenzen, and Vancouver, as well as through partners in some of the most important cultural and board sports hubs in the world. For more information, visit skullcandy.com.
