Eastman Chemical Company – South Carolina Operations (SCO) is the largest manufacturer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polymer in the United States. PET is the raw material used for plastic bottles for carbonated beverages and bottled water consumed worldwide, and is the most recyclable of all plastics.
The SCO plant sits on approximately 2,300 acres and is located on the Congaree River in rural Calhoun County. The site was established in 1967 as Carolina Eastman, and was originally built to produce polyester fiber for the textile industry.
Through flexibility and constant innovation, SCO has been able to stay ahead of challenging industry demands and changing market conditions. The site was chosen as the location for the first IntegRex™ Technology facility, the most advanced PET manufacturing asset in the world. ParaStar™ Next Generation PET resins produced via this revolutionary technology enable Eastman's customers to more efficiently and economically produce a wide variety of containers for food and beverage packaging. This pioneering technology minimizes scrap, waste and energy consumption and has a smaller environmental footprint than conventional PET manufacturing facilities.
Environmental Awareness
Eastman Chemical Company – South Carolina Operations is dedicated to environmental conservation. It was awarded membership into the prestigious South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program in recognition of SCO's commitment to protecting and preserving the South Carolina environment.
The site has reduced Toxic Release Inventory emissions by 62% since 1991. SCO has reduced 91% of total hazardous waste generation since 2003; we also recover and reuse several in-process chemicals to minimize waste.
The site has reduced energy usage by 10% since 2003 and reduced actual air emissions by 71% since 2004.
The Patrick Center for Environmental Research of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia conducts environmental studies on the Congaree River close to the plant. Results from these studies conclude that SCO has no negative impact on the river.
The site also maintains CARELINE, a dedicated phone line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the community to address concerns and offer comments.
Citizenship
Being outstanding environmental stewards isn't the only way Eastman SCO is committed to being a good neighbor; the site also shares resources with the community.
The SCO emergency crew responds to approximately 20 mutual aid (ambulance and fire) calls per year in the surrounding area.
SCO works with a group of site neighbors on a Community Advisory Panel to address issues related to the site and Eastman's role in the community.
Educational development is supported at every level. SCO sponsors the Champions of the Environment competition for the state of South Carolina. This competition is open to teams of students from K-12 from across the state. Winning projects demonstrate potential for long-term benefits to the environment.
SCO performs community outreach in schools through Earth Day programs and presentations for local elementary schools, and school science fair participation. Co-op opportunities and scholarships are also offered for outstanding students of engineering.
Responsible Care®
SCO supports Responsible Care ® initiatives. Dedication to safety, outstanding attention to environmental conservation, loyal citizenship, and world-class product quality are a direct result of Eastman SCO's pledge to adhere to the principles of the Responsible Care® program.
Our Values
We practice the values of being a good neighbor, an excellent employer, and provide impeccable quality every day. This is how Eastman Chemical Company – South Carolina Operations fulfills the role of being a division employees want to work for; customers want to buy from; communities value; that contributes value to the corporation.