SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Eastman Chemical Company announced that it has begun operations at its new molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee. The facility had achieved on-spec initial production and is generating revenue, the statement issued by the company said.

This is the company’s first operational depolymerisation plant. Eastman plans to ramp up production at the facility over the coming months. The plant will have a processing capacity of 110,000 tonnes per year. The company expects the new facility to deliver approximately $75 million in incremental EBITDA during the current year.

Eastman had initially announced the project in early 2021. At that time, it anticipated mechanical completion by end-2022

The company is currently constructing its second depolymerisation plant in Normandy, France. The first phase of the project is slated for mechanical completion by 2026, which in turn will deliver a processing capacity of 100,000 tonnes. Upon completion of the second phase, it will have a total processing capacity of 200,000 tonnes. Eastman has announced plans for a third facility as well. However, it is yet to decide upon the location of the proposed third plant.

Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO thanked the Eastman team members for their hard work and dedication in building and bringing the facility online.