Eastman is set to build the world’s largest molecular recycling plant in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine, Normandy, France. This facility will employ Eastman’s advanced molecular recycling technology to process up to 110,000 metric tons of polyester-rich plastic waste annually, which currently has limited recycling options.
The waste includes everyday items such as colored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from food packaging, reusable water bottles, and clothing that cannot be mechanically recycled. Since traditional recycling methods cannot handle this type of plastic, it often ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.
The new plant will address this issue on an unprecedented scale by breaking down these hard-to-recycle plastics into basic components, which will then be used to produce high-quality plastic that can be reused indefinitely, helping to prevent plastic waste from harming the environment.
Additionally, the molecular recycling process is anticipated to reduce costs for end products and promote sustainable choices among consumers without requiring them to pay a premium. By combining Eastman's established processes with renewable energy sources in Normandy, the facility aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional virgin PET production. Eastman and the French government are collaborating to create a true circular economy from previously non-recyclable plastics.
The Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine facility is projected to begin operations by 2027 or 2028.
Click here to know more about the molecular recycling facility.
The waste includes everyday items such as colored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from food packaging, reusable water bottles, and clothing that cannot be mechanically recycled. Since traditional recycling methods cannot handle this type of plastic, it often ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.
The new plant will address this issue on an unprecedented scale by breaking down these hard-to-recycle plastics into basic components, which will then be used to produce high-quality plastic that can be reused indefinitely, helping to prevent plastic waste from harming the environment.
Additionally, the molecular recycling process is anticipated to reduce costs for end products and promote sustainable choices among consumers without requiring them to pay a premium. By combining Eastman's established processes with renewable energy sources in Normandy, the facility aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional virgin PET production. Eastman and the French government are collaborating to create a true circular economy from previously non-recyclable plastics.
The Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine facility is projected to begin operations by 2027 or 2028.
Click here to know more about the molecular recycling facility.