Eastman eyes textiles for chemical recycling

KINGSPORT – Eastman is looking at textiles as a key raw material for its newly announced US$250 million plastic-to-plastic recycling facility that will rely on ‘polyester and carbon renewal technology’ to boost its use of recycled raw materials in its ‘Renew’ branded polymers.

The new plant initially aims to use over 100,000 metric tons of ‘plastic waste’ per year that cannot currently be recycled using mechanical methods. These specialty recycled polymers will then be used in the packaging, automotive and textile sectors.