Eastman, Procter & Gamble Partner on Molecular Recycling

Eastman and Procter & Gamble are set to collaborate to expand the collection of hard-to-recycle plastics, further diverting waste from landfills. These expanded recycling streams will be used to create new materials via Eastman's molecular recycling technologies.

Related: Eastman Awarded 2019 Luxe Pack in Green Award

P&G will use Eastman Renew materials in select products and packaging, supporting both companies' goals to reduce the use of virgin plastic from fossil resources. Eastman Renew materials are made via Eastman's molecular recycling technologies using waste plastic that, without this technology, would reportedly end up in landfills.

These recycling technologies are said to expand the types and amounts of plastics that can be recycled. According to the company, this gives materials an extended useful life and diverts plastic waste from landfills or the environment. 

Lee Ellen Drechsler, P&G senior vice president of R&D, said, "Eliminating waste plastic from our environment is a complex global challenge that requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach across the entire plastics lifecycle. P&G is taking a thoughtful approach to addressing the collection, processing, revitalization, and reuse of materials. That's why we selected Eastman's molecular recycling technologies which enable former waste to be transformed into useful products."

Scott Ballard, division president of plastics at Eastman, said, "Eastman is excited to have Procter & Gamble as a partner to put molecular recycling into practice. Together, we can create value from waste and show the world what's possible through innovation. The value created will help drive the critical changes in our recycling infrastructure that are necessary to solve the plastic waste crisis."