Eastman's Longview Project: Driving Low-Carbon Innovation & Community Engagement
Eastman has made significant strides towards its commitment to the circular economy, with the Department of Energy (DOE) selecting its second U.S. molecular recycling project for award negotiations. This selection, made under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, could provide up to $375 million in funding through the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP). As part of this development, Eastman has chosen Longview, Texas, as the site for its new facility, finalizing incentives with the State of Texas to facilitate project funding.
The decision to establish the facility in Longview was driven by various factors, including existing infrastructure synergies, favorable energy supply, access to feedstock pools in the western and central U.S., and ample space for onsite renewable energy generation. This investment encompasses operations to prepare mixed plastic waste for processing, a next-generation molecular recycling unit for depolymerization, and a polymer facility to produce high-quality materials for packaging and textiles. Expected to recycle approximately 110,000 metric tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic waste, the facility will also generate over 200 full-time, high-paying jobs for the local community, in addition to around 1,000 temporary construction jobs during the development phase.
Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO of Eastman, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce waste in the region, promote circularity, and establish new standards for decarbonization. Moreover, Eastman's collaboration with the DOE will enable the deployment of thermal heat batteries and onsite solar power, further enhancing the project's environmental impact. With advancements in methanolysis technology, Eastman aims to achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, exceeding 70 percent compared to fossil virgin production, and nearly 90 percent when considering avoided emissions.
Eastman's forthcoming project in Longview is in line with the Department of Energy's (DOE) objective of catalyzing a shift towards a low-carbon future. As part of the DOE's award, Eastman intends to contribute to the renovation of a community center. This center will serve as a focal point for community outreach, workforce training, and various ongoing needs of its community partners.
"We are grateful for the DOE's selection, allowing us to support this vital initiative," Costa remarked. "This commitment enables us to further invest in the local community through a comprehensive community benefits plan. The backing of our partners underscores the impact of our technology and our dedication to future generations."
Furthermore, Eastman has secured substantial state and local tax incentives totaling around $70 million to bolster the project.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas commented, "Texas is a land where businesses thrive and individuals flourish. With our skilled workforce, favorable business environment, and reasonable regulations, it's no surprise that companies worldwide choose to expand in Texas. Eastman's additional facility in Longview will bring hundreds of well-paying jobs to Texans and millions in capital investment to East Texas. I extend my gratitude to the Texas Legislature and local leaders for their efforts in attracting top-tier business investments to our state. Together, we will continue building a stronger Texas for future generations."
Costa added, "We deeply appreciate the support of Governor Abbott and the State of Texas as we embark on this significant investment at our Longview facility. We look forward to collaborating with state and local leaders to uphold our legacy in Texas for generations to come."
Eastman's innovative polyester renewal technology transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste, typically destined for landfills or incineration, into molecular building blocks. These are then reassembled to produce virgin-quality materials without compromising performance. By maintaining these valuable molecules in production through a material-to-material high-yield loop, Eastman facilitates the potential infinite use of materials while reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.
In addition to the Texas facility, Eastman has recently completed its inaugural molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, and plans to invest in another location in France.
Click here to know more on Eastman's circular economy strategy and initiatives.
The decision to establish the facility in Longview was driven by various factors, including existing infrastructure synergies, favorable energy supply, access to feedstock pools in the western and central U.S., and ample space for onsite renewable energy generation. This investment encompasses operations to prepare mixed plastic waste for processing, a next-generation molecular recycling unit for depolymerization, and a polymer facility to produce high-quality materials for packaging and textiles. Expected to recycle approximately 110,000 metric tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic waste, the facility will also generate over 200 full-time, high-paying jobs for the local community, in addition to around 1,000 temporary construction jobs during the development phase.
Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO of Eastman, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce waste in the region, promote circularity, and establish new standards for decarbonization. Moreover, Eastman's collaboration with the DOE will enable the deployment of thermal heat batteries and onsite solar power, further enhancing the project's environmental impact. With advancements in methanolysis technology, Eastman aims to achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, exceeding 70 percent compared to fossil virgin production, and nearly 90 percent when considering avoided emissions.
Eastman's forthcoming project in Longview is in line with the Department of Energy's (DOE) objective of catalyzing a shift towards a low-carbon future. As part of the DOE's award, Eastman intends to contribute to the renovation of a community center. This center will serve as a focal point for community outreach, workforce training, and various ongoing needs of its community partners.
"We are grateful for the DOE's selection, allowing us to support this vital initiative," Costa remarked. "This commitment enables us to further invest in the local community through a comprehensive community benefits plan. The backing of our partners underscores the impact of our technology and our dedication to future generations."
Furthermore, Eastman has secured substantial state and local tax incentives totaling around $70 million to bolster the project.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas commented, "Texas is a land where businesses thrive and individuals flourish. With our skilled workforce, favorable business environment, and reasonable regulations, it's no surprise that companies worldwide choose to expand in Texas. Eastman's additional facility in Longview will bring hundreds of well-paying jobs to Texans and millions in capital investment to East Texas. I extend my gratitude to the Texas Legislature and local leaders for their efforts in attracting top-tier business investments to our state. Together, we will continue building a stronger Texas for future generations."
Costa added, "We deeply appreciate the support of Governor Abbott and the State of Texas as we embark on this significant investment at our Longview facility. We look forward to collaborating with state and local leaders to uphold our legacy in Texas for generations to come."
Eastman's innovative polyester renewal technology transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste, typically destined for landfills or incineration, into molecular building blocks. These are then reassembled to produce virgin-quality materials without compromising performance. By maintaining these valuable molecules in production through a material-to-material high-yield loop, Eastman facilitates the potential infinite use of materials while reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.
In addition to the Texas facility, Eastman has recently completed its inaugural molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, and plans to invest in another location in France.
Click here to know more on Eastman's circular economy strategy and initiatives.
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