Eastman and Tri-Cities Airport Collab to Collect Plastic Waste

Eastman, a prominent global supplier of specialty materials, has forged a partnership with Tri-Cities Airport, a pivotal regional hub serving Tennessee's Tri-Cities area, to advance their joint initiative aimed at plastic waste management. This innovative collaboration involves the strategic placement of dedicated recycling receptacles throughout the airport, facilitating easy disposal and collection of plastic bottles and food containers.

By promoting responsible recycling practices, Eastman and Tri-Cities Airport aim to enhance environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts within the community. Eastman's state-of-the-art mixed plastics processing facility, located within their extensive Kingsport, Tennessee manufacturing complex, will meticulously sort and reprocess the collected plastic materials. This facility, integral to Eastman's molecular recycling plant, stands as a global leader in material-to-material recycling capabilities, underscoring the partners' commitment to advancing circular economy solutions.

Brad Lich, Eastman's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed satisfaction with a new local partnership aimed at combating the plastic waste crisis. The collaboration underscores a shared vision for sustainability, reimagining plastic waste as a valuable resource for creating new products. Lich highlighted the partnership as a testament to the collective effort of local businesses in promoting environmental stewardship and preserving the beauty of the region. This initiative reflects Eastman's commitment to driving innovation and sustainability, leveraging partnerships to advance circular economy solutions and contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems.

Gene Cossey, President and CEO of the Tri-Cities Airport Authority, emphasized their commitment to sustainability and announced a partnership with Eastman in a significant recycling initiative. By offering convenient recycling options for passengers, the airport aims to foster responsible practices within the community. Cossey highlighted the collaboration as a testament to the innovative solutions emerging from the region, contributing to environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable practices. This partnership underscores Tri-Cities Airport's dedication to supporting local initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability and align with global efforts to address plastic waste challenges.

The collaboration exemplifies Eastman's commitment to bolstering the circular economy and sustainability within its operations in the region. This partnership with Tri-Cities Airport represents a strategic move among several initiatives aimed at promoting responsible resource management and environmental stewardship. By integrating plastic recycling efforts into their operational framework, Eastman seeks to enhance local recycling infrastructure while advancing sustainable practices that contribute to long-term environmental benefits and community engagement.

Eastman is a global leader in specialty materials. Their vast portfolio caters to everyday products across various industries. Driven by a mission to materially improve lives, Eastman collaborates with clients to deliver cutting-edge products and solutions while prioritizing safety and sustainability. Their growth strategy hinges on three pillars: world-class technology platforms, deep customer partnerships, and fostering unique applications. This approach fuels Eastman's dominance in high-growth markets like transportation, construction, and consumer goods.