Eastman’s Tritan Powers Splashblocker and Canopy—Cutting‑Edge Protections for Healthcare Workers

In the wake of the global COVID‑19 pandemic, frontline caregivers and vulnerable patients faced hidden risks—especially from toilet‑plume aerosols and limited respirator options. Eastman’s proprietary amorphous copolyester, Tritan®, has become the material of choice for two breakthrough healthcare solutions that address these challenges.

• Splashblocker – A clear, injection‑molded shield that traps toilet‑plume aerosols, safeguarding staff, patients, caregivers, and visitors from pathogens and chemicals such as chemotherapeutics and antineoplastics. Tritan’s proven resistance to over 30 common disinfectants and its easy‑clean surface make it ideal for high‑traffic clinical settings.
• Canopy – A reusable, transparent respirator featuring a patented filter core housed in Tritan. Developed by a team that includes Google, Johns Hopkins, DaVita, and Boston Scientific alumni, Canopy delivers superior breathability, comfort, and a clear view of facial expressions—addressing the most common shortcomings of disposable N95 masks.

Both products were co‑developed with direct input from clinicians and infection‑control specialists, ensuring they meet real‑world demands.

Splashblocker LLC is dedicated to reducing occupational exposure in hospitals worldwide. The inventor—an oncology nurse with 15+ years of experience—identified toilet‑plume aerosols as a rising hazard, especially in the era of drug‑resistant pathogens like Clostridioides difficile. The co‑founder and CEO, Brian P. Crawford, notes that Eastman’s manufacturing expertise was critical to incorporating precise injection‑molding techniques.

Two user‑experience trials have confirmed Splashblocker’s effectiveness. The latest 2020 white paper, published in partnership with Premier Applied Sciences, documents significant reductions in aerosol exposure. Premier Inc. has awarded Splashblocker a Technology Breakthrough Agreement, underscoring its impact on infection prevention.

Canopy’s CEO, Joe Rosenberg, emphasizes the material’s unique blend of durability, chemical resistance, and optical clarity—qualities that were hard to find in other thermoplastics. The startup is poised to meet urgent demand from top health systems; Dr. Yves Duroseau, MD MPH, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital (Northwell Health), calls it “a much‑needed advance” amid ongoing PPE shortages.

Eastman’s Tritan continues to set industry standards for safety, performance, and sustainability in healthcare equipment.