Eastman Chemical Co, which manufactures Naia cellulosic yarn, is weighing up plans to launch a circular recycling facility to deal with polyester waste on a commercial scale.
The company says the innovation would tackle the issue of polyester waste ending up in landfills and waterways, as it is not able to be recycled by current mechanical methods.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Using the process of methanolysis, Eastman’s advanced circular recycling technology breaks down polyester-based products into their polymer building blocks. These building blocks can then be reintroduced to the production of new polyester-based polymers, delivering a true circular solution.
Eastman says it is one of the “pioneers” in developing methanolysis technology at a commercial scale and has more than three decades of expertise in this recycling process.
“Eastman’s experience with methanolysis makes it uniquely qualified to be a leader in delivering this solution at commercial scale,” the firm says. “Advanced circular recycling technology can be an especially impactful solution, as low-quality polyester waste that would typically be diverted to landfills can instead be recycled into high-quality polyesters suitable for use in a variety of end markets, including food contact applications.”
The group is currently executing an engineering feasibility study on the design and construction of a commercial scale methanolysis facility to meet the demands of its customers and has engaged in initial discussions with potential partners regarding this. The goal, it says, is to be operating a full-scale, advanced circular recycling facility within 24 to 36 months.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“We recognise that plastic waste is a complex problem that needs advanced solutions. As we have engaged potential partners, it is clear there is high interest across the entire value chain,” Eastman CEO Mark Costa says. “Our long history of technical expertise in chemical processes, including methanolysis, and our leading position in copolyester chemistry enables us to provide this innovative solution to address the growing challenges of plastic waste in our environment.”
David Golden, SVP, chief legal and sustainability officer, and corporate secretary, adds: “As the desire grows for products that have a sustainable life cycle, Eastman continues to build on its heritage of world-class technology platforms and product innovation to offer solutions at the molecular level. Today, more than ever, the world needs innovation, and Eastman is excited about the possibilities we can achieve by working along the value chain, across industry sectors and with community partners to expand our efforts and make the greatest collective impact.”
