Creating a new product line from the ground up is a challenging task even in typical circumstances. When you factor in a global pandemic, unfamiliar materials, new colors, and travel restrictions, the odds seem stacked against success. So, how did BLACK+DECKER, a brand under Stanley Black & Decker, manage to make it work?
Teamwork
In early 2021, BLACK+DECKER introduced its reviva™ line of power tools, which was its first sustainability-focused product range. The tools’ housings are made from Eastman’s Tritan Renew™ copolyester, a durable material containing 50% recycled content. The term "Reviva" comes from the Latin word for "new life." The tools, featuring a black and white design with green accents, included 10 products launched in 2022, such as a 12V MAX* drill, jigsaw, and sander.
"Since we were using a new material, we needed to understand how it would perform," explained Ed Higgins, product director for power tools at Stanley Black & Decker.
Due to the pandemic, travel was impossible, and most meetings took place virtually. Despite the challenges of remote communication, both teams maintained open dialogue to push the project forward.
“I was amazed at how we managed such a complex project mostly through video calls for the first couple of years,” said Rick Noller, market development manager at Eastman.
Power tools, unlike non-energized products, have more demanding testing criteria, including higher thermal requirements and third-party certifications, all of which Tritan Renew met. Other important factors included durability, chemical resistance, and the ability to withstand high torque.
Throughout the development, transparency was key. "Eastman carefully reviewed all formulations to ensure they met our rigorous testing standards,” Higgins added. “We also had to meet specific branding and corporate color requirements for BLACK+DECKER’s new reviva line."
Collaborative Innovation
As the teams began testing a special glass-filled version of Tritan, Eastman’s Brett Jones suggested trying the classic Tritan as well. This decision was a turning point. Instead of just replacing an existing material, both teams worked together to ensure the new material would meet BLACK+DECKER’s exact performance needs.
“Given the critical quality requirements, we believed Tritan Renew was the best choice for the reviva line,” said Jones. The collaboration allowed both teams to exchange valuable insights and refine their approach to the material.
Eastman engineers, Jeff Skelton and Aaron Grills, played a key role in guiding the BLACK+DECKER team on how to work with Tritan Renew, while York Li, Eastman’s technical representative, provided on-site support at the Stanley Black & Decker factory during molding trials. This hands-on support was crucial in helping BLACK+DECKER understand Tritan’s potential, fostering even more real-time collaboration.
“We couldn’t have moved forward without the Eastman team,” Higgins said. “They were there at every step, offering incredible support. We’re excited about continuing this partnership and exploring how it can extend to our other brands as well.”
Teamwork
In early 2021, BLACK+DECKER introduced its reviva™ line of power tools, which was its first sustainability-focused product range. The tools’ housings are made from Eastman’s Tritan Renew™ copolyester, a durable material containing 50% recycled content. The term "Reviva" comes from the Latin word for "new life." The tools, featuring a black and white design with green accents, included 10 products launched in 2022, such as a 12V MAX* drill, jigsaw, and sander.
"Since we were using a new material, we needed to understand how it would perform," explained Ed Higgins, product director for power tools at Stanley Black & Decker.
Due to the pandemic, travel was impossible, and most meetings took place virtually. Despite the challenges of remote communication, both teams maintained open dialogue to push the project forward.
“I was amazed at how we managed such a complex project mostly through video calls for the first couple of years,” said Rick Noller, market development manager at Eastman.
Power tools, unlike non-energized products, have more demanding testing criteria, including higher thermal requirements and third-party certifications, all of which Tritan Renew met. Other important factors included durability, chemical resistance, and the ability to withstand high torque.
Throughout the development, transparency was key. "Eastman carefully reviewed all formulations to ensure they met our rigorous testing standards,” Higgins added. “We also had to meet specific branding and corporate color requirements for BLACK+DECKER’s new reviva line."
Collaborative Innovation
As the teams began testing a special glass-filled version of Tritan, Eastman’s Brett Jones suggested trying the classic Tritan as well. This decision was a turning point. Instead of just replacing an existing material, both teams worked together to ensure the new material would meet BLACK+DECKER’s exact performance needs.
“Given the critical quality requirements, we believed Tritan Renew was the best choice for the reviva line,” said Jones. The collaboration allowed both teams to exchange valuable insights and refine their approach to the material.
Eastman engineers, Jeff Skelton and Aaron Grills, played a key role in guiding the BLACK+DECKER team on how to work with Tritan Renew, while York Li, Eastman’s technical representative, provided on-site support at the Stanley Black & Decker factory during molding trials. This hands-on support was crucial in helping BLACK+DECKER understand Tritan’s potential, fostering even more real-time collaboration.
“We couldn’t have moved forward without the Eastman team,” Higgins said. “They were there at every step, offering incredible support. We’re excited about continuing this partnership and exploring how it can extend to our other brands as well.”