Sustainability has become an essential component of Eastman’s business, representing our culture of continuous improvement, innovation and responsibility. Sustainability makes sense for our business, but more importantly, it makes sense for our world.
I am convinced that Eastman’s continued growth and future success depend on the intelligent way in which we integrate sustainability across everything we do, from product development and manufacturing processes to strategic acquisitions and our continued protection of the earth’s valuable resources.
As I travel the world, I see rapidly growing interest in sustainability. I am encouraged by the lively conversations I have had in such markets as China and Brazil where the field of sustainability is moving forward at a lightning pace. Here at Eastman, we are working hard to incorporate sustainable practices into our products, processes and facilities worldwide.
Eastman is committed to growth — for our employees, customers, suppliers and stockholders. Our corporate strategy centers on growing our core businesses, investing in fast-growing regions with a rising middle class, forming strategic joint ventures and making acquisitions to continuously improve our product portfolio, and leveraging our sustainability advantages today and in the future.
When we first reported our sustainability efforts last year, we shared details of our sustainability approach and actions and illustrated how they add value to our business. In this year’s report, we set out clear and measurable goals, showing the advances we have made during the past year and explaining our vision for connecting sustainability with scientific improvements to our products and processes.
During the past year, we made significant strides along our sustainability path, including naming a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) — Godefroy Motte. This is an important milestone on our sustainability journey and for our business. Based in The Netherlands, Godefroy is one of two members of our executive team outside the United States and he brings with him Europe’s pioneering sustainability thinking and a personal passion for sustainability.
It is my hope that this account of our progress and aspirations will inspire valuable feedback and further collaboration with our customers, suppliers, communities, employees and other stakeholders. We know we cannot make meaningful advances alone, and we welcome comments and questions as our exciting sustainability journey continues.
Our vision is to be recognized as a company with a genuine and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. I am pleased with Eastman’s progress and proud of what we have achieved so far. I recognize we are on a journey, and I appreciate that we have a long road ahead of us.
Jim Rogers
Chairman and CEO
Eastman Chemical Company | 
