EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Steven Cook and Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber Visit Eastman’s Tennessee Methanolysis Facility
EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Steven Cook and Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber visited Eastman’s Kingsport, Tennessee, manufacturing site last week to tour the company’s innovative recycling facility and learn more about how next-generation recycling technologies are advancing sustainable industry practices while supporting a strong U.S. manufacturing base.
Cook, McOmber, and EPA staff toured Eastman’s methanolysis plant, which can process more than 250 million pounds of plastic waste annually. Eastman experts showed how methanolysis breaks down hard-to-recycle polyester waste to the molecular level, creating new materials from plastic waste otherwise bound for landfill or incineration. The process also delivers approximately 20-30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil-based plastic production.
"Innovation and collaboration across the public and private sectors are important to advancing practical, scalable solutions that strengthen domestic recycling infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign sources of raw materials and support American manufacturing," said principal deputy assistant administrator for Land and Emergency Management Steven Cook. "I appreciate the opportunity to visit Eastman’s Kingsport facility and see its advanced recycling technology firsthand."
Cook and McOmber also observed the site’s state-of-the-art mixed plastics processing, sorting and control rooms, which support the facility’s world-class operational standards. The visit included discussions with Eastman team members about the future of American manufacturing, the role of sustainable technologies and the importance of public-private collaboration in scaling innovative recycling solutions.
"EPA is committed to supporting innovative technologies that protect our environment while boosting the economy," said regional administrator Kevin McOmber. "The advanced recycling work happening in Tennessee demonstrates how cutting-edge American engineering can keep plastic waste out of landfills, increase demand for recycled products, and create high-quality manufacturing jobs right here in our region."
Eastman has played an important role in America’s 250-year history. The company welcomed the opportunity to showcase its over 100-year-old Kingsport operations and discuss how continued investment in innovation, supported by strong policy, can help accelerate broader adoption of next-generation recycling solutions.
"Eastman’s Kingsport site is a powerful example of how innovation can help solve real-world materials challenges," said Steve Crawford, Eastman executive vice president and chief technology and sustainability officer. "We are proud to show EPA leadership how our technology is converting hard-to-recycle waste into valuable new material while supporting U.S. manufacturing, creating economic opportunity and advancing more sustainable solutions at scale."
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
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Media Contact:
Kristin Parker
Eastman Corporate Communications
423.229.2526 / kristin@eastman.com