Eastman to invest approx. $250 million in building plastic-to-plastic recycling facility in Kingsport

One of the world’s largest plastic-to-plastic molecular recycling facilities is set to be built in Kingsport.

Eastman Chemical Company CEO Mark Costa made the announcement Friday along with TN Gov. Bill Lee, as the company will invest around $250 million in the project that is expected to add an additional 90 jobs to the region and is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2022.

“With the growing demand for products made with recycled content and the urgent need to address the global plastic waste crisis, now is the time for Eastman to take this step. We are grateful for our partnership with Governor Lee in making today’s announcement possible,” said Costa. “Thanks to the support of the State of Tennessee and our local officials, we are able to build this facility in our home state, which we believe positions Tennessee to be a leader in enabling the circular economy and an example for others to follow. This will be a great investment for our local community and our customers, while also creating small business jobs to develop the recycling infrastructure necessary to support investment in a sustainable future.”

“Eastman has been a leader in the materials sector for over 100 years and continues to be a valued partner to our state,” said Governor Lee. “I’d like to thank the company for investing in Kingsport and its highly skilled workforce, and for focusing on innovative technology that enhances the quality of life for people not just in Tennessee, but around the world.”

The facility will work to address the plastic waste crisis and mitigate challenges created by climate change by doing such things like recycling more than 500 million pounds of plastic waste by 2030.

Photo Courtesy: Eastman Chemical Company via Zoom