Eastman: Producer of Sustainable Materials for Global Brands

Eastman, the global material innovation company with more than 14,000 employees, develops material solutions for a range of industries, including agriculture, consumer goods and textiles.

Its renewable materials are currently used by more than 100 global brands such as LVMH, Yeti and Procter & Gamble.

Eastman's 2025 Sustainability Report presents its advancements and ongoing efforts toward its climate and circularity objectives.

The organisation's climate strategy is central to its operations, with a primary goal of achieving net zero by 2050. This is supported by a decarbonisation plan that emphasises energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Eastman has set a target to lower its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2035. To this end, Eastman has 50 active energy efficiency projects underway globally, including at its large manufacturing sites in Tennessee and Texas.

Eastman's climate strategy and decarbonisation

Eastman is focused on procuring renewable energy for its facilities and developing low-carbon technologies.

These include thermal batteries and carbon capture, which could be vital for decarbonising energy-intensive industrial processes and achieving substantial emissions reductions. The report highlights how material innovation is key to its strategy.

Mark Costa, CEO at Eastman, says: “As we continue to navigate a challenging global economic environment, we remain committed to a strategy built on growth through innovation that aligns with sustainability macro trends. That strategy is working and our focus on sustainable innovation is delivering our business results and reinforces our purpose to enhance the quality of life in a material way.

"Our 2025 Sustainability Report is an ideal place to learn more about our growth strategy and how material innovation is vital to building A Better Circle.”

Eastman is also developing material solutions that directly address its climate impact. One such solution is molecular recycling, which processes hard-to-recycle waste to produce new materials with up to 50% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.

Strategic partnerships in carbon capture

To further its climate objectives, Eastman is engaging in strategic partnerships.

Its involvement with the Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Institute connects it with governments, corporations, research bodies and NGOs. This collaboration is designed to share best practices and promote scientific advancements in carbon capture technology.

According to Eastman's report, carbon capture and storage solutions could be instrumental in reducing emissions, particularly from heavy industry.

One of Eastman’s primary objectives is to establish a circular economy for plastics. Eastman has a goal to recycle at least 500 million pounds of plastic waste each year by 2030. This amount is equivalent to preventing 22 billion single-use water bottles from entering landfills.

Chris Killian, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eastman, says: “Eastman has the opportunity to make a substantial positive impact through better, more sustainable materials. We can help solve global issues like plastic waste through circular plastics and biodegradable cellulosic polymers that reduce environmental impact.

"For the sake of future generations, product innovation in the materials industry must be more sustainable.”

Molecular recycling and the circular economy

Unlike traditional mechanical recycling, which cannot process many everyday items like carpets, polyester clothing or coloured PET bottles, Eastman’s molecular recycling technology can. This process breaks down these complex waste products to create its Renew materials.

These materials are supplied to global manufacturing markets and are indistinguishable from plastics made from virgin resources.

The report states that “the world needs molecular recycling and mechanical recycling working in tandem to reduce waste”.

Eastman operates the world’s largest polyester molecular recycling facility at its site in Kingsport, Tennessee, which opened in March 2024. In its first year and a half of operation, the facility has recycled more than 100 million pounds of plastic waste.

Eastman is also collaborating with recycling firms globally to improve recycling infrastructure, aiming to keep more plastic out of landfills.