In 2010, Eastman Chemical announced a 70% increase in cellulose triacetate output at its Kingsport, Tennessee manufacturing site to meet the increasing demand for the chemical's use as an intermediate in the production of polarized films for liquid crystal displays.

As the filaments emerge from a spinneret, the solvent is evaporated in warm air, in a process known as dry spinning, leaving a fibre of almost pure triacetate.

A finishing process called S-Finishing or surface saponification is sometimes applied to acetate and triacetate fabrics using a sodium hydroxide solution.

This removes part or all of the acetyl groups from the surface of the fibres leaving them with a cellulose coating.

Triacetate is particularly effective in clothing where crease or pleat retention is important, such as skirts and dresses.