We envision a future where one of the world’s most useful, versatile and necessary materials — plastic — isn't wasted. Through innovation, Eastman is revolutionizing the future of circular materials. Our innovations touch lives everywhere, from the materials used make food containers, cellphone cases and reusable sports bottles to cosmetics containers and medical equipment. We are committed to driving innovation toward a more sustainable future.
The global waste crisis and climate change are two of the greatest challenges of our time, and the world desperately needs a materials revolution that will help address both. These challenges impact all of us — consumers, brands, nongovernmental organizations, investors and other stakeholders. Collectively, we know change is needed, and companies are setting aggressive goals to include recycled content in products. How do we meet these significant goals?
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.
In 2020, we also launched Naia™ Renew cellulosic fibers, produced from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp, using our carbon renewal technology, one of the two types of molecular recycling technologies.
Now, we're investing $250 million dollars to expand our capacity and enable more brands and consumers to choose a better future. This state-of-the-art facility will convert more than 110,000 metric tons of plastic waste into new raw material. As a result, we won’t have to use that same amount of fossil feedstock, which saves resources, time and energy.
There’s no time to waste. The plant is under construction and expected to produce commercial quantities by the end of 2023.
Learn more by reading our molecular recycling facility news release.
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.
Society needs to mainstream a circular economy. For Eastman, that means developing technology to create value from plastic waste, enabling durable products with longer shelf lives, reducing material consumption and reducing carbon emissions. It just makes sense. Our objective is to be a thought and action leader to define the path globally for circularity. We cannot solve the problem alone, but through partnerships, we can show the world what is possible and catalyze change.
Eastman has committed to recycling more than 250 million pounds (113.4 million kg) of plastic by 2025 and more than 500 million pounds (226 million kg) by 2030. We will leverage our molecular recycling facilities to reach those ambitious goals and provide brands and customers with sustainable solutions they need to meet consumer demand.
Watch the playback of the live announcement from Mark Costa, our CEO and board chair, and Bill Lee, Tennessee’s governor.