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Kingsport, Tennessee, site

Through innovation, Eastman is helping solve the world’s plastic waste crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using molecular recycling technology that unzips polyester back to its original monomers, we create new plastic from waste. Eastman is committed to building a better circle — a better planet for all.

Kingsport at a glance

  • Achieved initial production and operating at scale in March 2024
  • Located at Eastman’s Kingsport, Tenn., site – one of the largest integrated chemical manufacturing sites in North America. 
  • With the capacity to recycle 110,000 metric tons annually, the Kingsport facility is one of the biggest molecular recycling facilities in the world.
  • Supports the company’s long-term goals of reducing both its use of fossil feedstocks and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Materials can be recycled an infinite number of times instead of downcycling or sending them to landfill, incineration, or into the environment. 
Kingsport molecular recycling facility at night.

Making the future of recycling a reality today

In March 2024, we achieved the significant milestone of initial production and began ramping the Kingsport facility to operate at scale. By demonstrating molecular recycling at this scale, we solidified our position as a leader in the creation of a circular economy.

In 2021, we commercialized two technologies that transform plastic waste into new material for high-quality polymers with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Products like Tritan™ Renew and Cristal™ Renew are available today. 

Foggy mountains sunrise with pine forest landscape.

Advancing a circular economy through Eastman innovation

  • Plastics that can’t be recycled today using traditional (mechanical) recycling must be landfilled or incinerated. Now, they'll have value as a raw material and become circular. 
  • Plastic waste no longer has to be downcycled; it can be renewed over and over to virgin quality with no compromise in performance. 
  • This can be done efficiently with lower carbon emissions than the fossil-based process. 
  • It is not a dream for the future. It is happening today.
Colored bale of hard-to-recycle content.

Showing the world what's possible

There's a better way to treat plastic waste than throwing it away or sending it to a landfill or incinerator. Watch our short documentary to see how Eastman has looked to its past to create a recycling revolution for the future. 
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