Eastman’s advanced polyester recycling project was contracted with the DOE on Sept. 14, 2024, after more than a year of review. Phase 1 was completed on schedule with all milestones met.
This technology ensures safety and transparency by producing high-quality recycled plastic domestically that meets strict federal food and medical packaging standards. Reshoring the supply chain and using controlled recycling processes reduces contamination risks and provides clear traceability, supporting consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
The Longview site was selected due to synergies with existing infrastructure and operations, favorable energy supply and footprint, and access to western and central U.S. feedstock pools. We also know the talent pool in this area is strong. We have incredibly talented team members already working at the site who will be instrumental in this project
The investment includes operations that will prepare mixed plastic waste for processing, Eastman’s next-generation methanolysis unit to depolymerize waste, and a polymer facility to create virgin-quality materials for packaging and textiles.
We’ll have the capacity to recycle approximately 110,000 metric tons of hard-to-recycle plastic waste. The polymer production will be greater than this amount and dependent on the product mix.
The investment is expected to create more than 200 full-time, high-paying jobs in the Longview community and about 1,000 temporary construction jobs during site development. It will also support an additional ~4,000 jobs across the recycling value chain.
Eastman obtained significant state and local tax incentives to support the project, totaling about $70 million.