Our six principles | Plastic Recycling | Circular Economy Principles

We have a vision for the future where we use waste to create materials that can be reused, so we can make the most of our planet’s resources. Circularity requires emerging technologies like molecular recycling that create new opportunities to recover and reuse materials like hard-to-recycle plastics. To turn this vision into reality, we follow six principles of circularity.

Six line drawings that reflect Eastman’s six principle.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The phrase “reduce, reuse and recycle” is familiar to many of us. At Eastman, we think it’s more important than ever to adopt this practice to address the plastic waste crisis. Our molecular recycling technologies are key to helping brands and consumers prioritize the reduction, reusability and recycling of hard-to-recycle plastic that typically can’t be recycled today.

A hand putting a plastic bottle being put into a recycling bin.

Two workers sorting plastic waste in a warehouse.

Material to material

To change the world’s waste story, we need to adopt a circular mindset. That means changing our perception of what end of life means for plastic. Instead of regarding used plastic as waste, we should recognize its inherent value and reuse it accordingly. Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies let us unlock this value so the same material can be used over and over again with the same quality as virgin plastic while being safe for food-contact applications.

Quality of life

Our plastic recycling technologies result in lower CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions than virgin plastic production. Molecular recycling meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and will help improve the quality of life for our employees and the communities where we operate. Our recycling innovations also play a role in addressing the global plastic waste crisis.

Large bales of stacked, mixed plastic waste.

Complementary

Mechanical recycling is an excellent option for clean, clear polyester-based plastics — the kind you might find in water bottles. But it can’t process the mixed or complex plastics that make up much of today’s waste. Our molecular recycling can handle what mechanical recycling can’t. We’re able to break hard-to-recycle plastic waste down to its molecular building blocks, making it new again. This very different process makes molecular recycling the ideal complement to mechanical recycling. Together, more plastic and more types of plastic can be recycled effectively.

Economical

Economics must be taken into consideration for circular solutions to operate at scale. This includes infrastructure and technology costs and price premiums on circular products. In addition to advancing molecular recycling technologies, Eastman is advocating for policies that support systemic change, so more brands and consumers can participate in the circular economy. When the economics work, recycling can be affordable and provide a valuable return on investment.

Transparent

Transparency is fundamental to all Eastman sustainability efforts. Claims about our molecular recycling technologies are clear, transparent and accountable with third-party certifications. This enables everyone to make informed decisions.

Our six circularity principles