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It’s the feedstock: unlocking the value in waste

 

 

Three varieties of feedstock: Recycled plastic bottles on a conveyor belt, carpet fibers and auto shredder residue

Transforming hard-to-recycle plastic waste

In a world where only 9% of plastic is recycled, Eastman innovation is showing the world what’s possible for hard-to-recycle plastic waste. It’s our feedstock that makes the difference. We are using discarded plastics that mechanical recycling can’t process to feed our technologies and to create high-performance circular materials. We are replacing fossil resources with waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, incinerated, or worse, unmanaged in the environment. Take a virtual tour with us for a closer look at the types of waste that drive our technologies.

Plastic as feedstock: a versatile and responsible solution

Plastic waste takes center stage as a versatile feedstock in Eastman's molecular recycling process. Eastman is committed to responsibly sourcing plastic waste and responsibly producing new materials with a focus on environmental stewardship. By breaking down hard-to-recycle plastic waste into its fundamental building blocks, our technology transforms a wide array of plastics into valuable resources, challenging the conventional notion of plastics as a one-time-use material.

Shredded plastic waste is turned into recycled content

Molecular recycling: what goes in

Ever wondered what happens to those hard-to-recycle plastics? Eastman’s molecular recycling tackles this question head-on by turning challenging waste streams into feedstocks for a circular economy.

Colored and opaque plastic

Eastman's molecular recycling technologies overcome recycling challenges for opaque, colorful PET bottles. By breaking down barriers, these technologies transform any color PET bottle into feedstock for crystal-clear new materials. This innovation ensures that brands can maintain vibrant packaging while promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

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Colored PET plastic waste
Carpet waste

Carpet

Billions of pounds of carpet end up in landfills each year due to the complex mix of fibers, plastics and glues. Eastman, alongside Circular Polymers and the Carpet America Recovery Effort, is changing this course. Explore the transformation of carpet waste in our video.

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Apparel

Molecular recycling now tackles the technical challenge of recycling old polyester clothing. By 2025, over 25% of Eastman's recycled content for Naia™ Renew will be derived from waste textiles. Explore the journey from old T-shirts to new materials here.

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Apparel plastic waste
Eyeglasses lens plastic waste

Eyeglasses

The eyewear industry grapples with the lack of recycling solutions for clear demo lenses. Eastman, in partnership with Warby Parker, introduces a first-of-its-kind demo lens molecular recycling program. Learn how demo lenses become sustainable eyeglass frames in our feature.

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Automotive plastic

Automakers, who see a future where modern cars are likely comprised of 50% plastic by volume, face a recycling dilemma. While metals, tires and glass find new life through traditional recycling, plastics end up in automotive shredder residue (ASR) destined for landfills or incinerators. Eastman, in collaboration with partners, has pioneered a circular solution for ASR waste using molecular recycling.

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Automotive plastic waste

Partnerships: key to creating regional circularity

Regional circularity, which involves recycling and processing products within the same region, is gaining traction as it increases recycling rates, reduces the amount of materials landfilled or incinerated, and lowers GHG by eliminating the need for long-distance shipping. At Eastman, we understand cooperation among value chain participants, such as partnerships with recyclers and brands, is crucial for mutual success.

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Eastman, the preferred sustainable plastic provider for leading brands worldwide

As a trusted partner, Eastman has become the preferred provider of sustainable plastics for leading brands worldwide. Our molecular recycling technologies and responsible sourcing practices have positioned us at the forefront of the industry, offering sustainable solutions that redefine the future of plastics.

About sixty Eastman partners’ logos, including Black and Decker, Nike, Patagonia, and Proctor and Gamble

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