Eastman’s Spencer Tidwell Named as Notable Leader in Sustainability for 2025

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Plastics News named Spencer Tidwell, Eastman’s director of Polyester Renewal Technology Development division, to its list of Notable Leaders in Sustainability List for 2025. This recognition highlights 20 of the industry’s most influential innovators and trailblazers, from engineers to company executives. Those selected and their areas of focus demonstrate that what’s good for the environment is also good for business.

Tidwell has been with Eastman for 14 years, making significant contributions to the company and the field of sustainability. In his current role, he is responsible for feedstock qualification for the plants, working with supplier engagement and long-term strategy, managing process improvement engineers for mixed plastics processing and methanolysis, and next-generation technology development. 

Tidwell is heavily involved in Eastman’s new recycling facility located in Kingsport and provides oversight for the plastic waste brought into the site that is processed by the new methanolysis facility. He has also been instrumental in bringing together recycling programs onsite at Eastman for team members and through the community partnership with Food City. 

"I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and when I fully understood what we were trying to do, I was all in," Tidwell said.

One of the most rewarding parts of his job, according to Tidwell, is being a tour guide and sharing what Eastman’s methanolysis technology can do. 

"It's really hard to comprehend the scale of what we're doing until you're a really tiny ant standing in front of a giant mound of plastic," he said.

While the work being done is challenging, Tidwell finds it worthwhile and impactful. 

"We're showing the world what's possible," he said.

Spencer’s journey at Eastman so far is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation and can-do spirit to driving sustainability and making a tangible impact on the environment.

Notable Leaders in Sustainability 2025: Driving a circular future | Plastics News