I just returned from a wonderful visit at Eastman Chemical Company. Eastman are a global specialty materials leader, continues to drive innovation in sustainable materials. Their latest achievement is the Tritan Renew coPET polymer, which combines cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship.
The Journey to Tritan Renew
Polyester Renewal Technology (PRT)
At the heart of Tritan Renew lies Polyester Renewal Technology (PRT). This groundbreaking process allows Eastman to recycle hard-to-recycle plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. Here’s how it works:
- Waste Collection: Post-consumer, food-grade polyester waste is collected.
- Molecular Breakdown: Eastman’s technology breaks down this waste into its molecular building blocks.
- Reassembly: These building blocks are then reassembled to create virgin-quality material without compromising performance.
Tritan Renew: A BPA-Free Alternative
Tritan Renew builds upon the success of Eastman’s standard Tritan copolyester, which has been a phenomenal success as a BPA-free alternative to polycarbonate. Now, with Tritan Renew, recycled content is incorporated through molecular recycling. The result is a high-performance material that meets sustainability goals without sacrificing quality.
Dr. Roger Tipton’s Visit
Dr. Roger Tipton, a renowned expert in polymer science and circular economy, recently visited Eastman Chemical’s Kingsport facility. His mission was to review the Tritan Renew coPET polymer molecular recycling program. Here are some highlights from his visit:
- Facility Tour: Professor Tipton toured the state-of-the-art molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee. The facility utilizes Eastman’s proven polyester renewal technology to transform over 100,000 metric tons of plastic waste into premium, high-quality specialty plastics made with recycled content.
- Environmental Impact: Tipton praised Eastman’s commitment to sustainability. By using molecular recycling, the company reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps valuable molecules in production, contributing to a circular economy.
- Revenue Generation: Eastman’s Kingsport facility achieved on-spec initial production and is already generating revenue. The company expects to ramp up production in the coming months, enabling growth across various markets.
A New Era in Materials Science
Eastman’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and circular economy is evident through Tritan Renew. As Dr. Roger Tipton observed, this program represents a leap forward in materials science—one that combines environmental responsibility with cutting-edge technology.
