Eastman advanced further by announcing plans to construct a second molecular recycling facility in Longview, Texas, positioning the company at the forefront of the quest for alternative, eco-friendly energy sources.

Source: Waste 360

Empowered by the potential to secure up to $375 million through the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) program, Eastman will pioneer the use of thermal battery technology on an unprecedented scale for zero-carbon process heat. This innovative approach, alongside efficient molecular recycling technology, will tackle two global challenges simultaneously.

This can be a game changer for addressing both the plastic waste crisis and the climate crisis at the same time. We’re taking a leadership role in building the largest thermal battery project to date in our industry.

Sandeep Bangaru, vice president of Eastman’s circular platform

The Longview facility, essential to Eastman's sustainability objectives, is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program. This investment reflects Eastman's commitment to invest over $2 billion in molecular recycling facilities for hard-to-recycle plastics. Following the commencement of operations at the world's largest material-to-material molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee earlier this year, the Longview plant will be capable of processing about 110,000 metric tons of challenging plastic waste. Both the Kingsport and Longview facilities will drive Eastman towards its ambitious targets of recycling 250 million pounds of plastic annually by 2025, aiming to double that amount by 2030 and ultimately achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Our work with Eastman illustrates how innovation and collaboration are essential to address great world challenges. Years of innovation and development by Eastman in molecular recycling combined with Rondo's expertise in thermal batteries have delivered a moment where these technologies can be deployed together at large scale.

John O'Donnell, CEO of Rondo

Leading the way in climate action, Eastman will leverage renewable energy sources and innovative technologies at the Longview molecular recycling facility. Alongside conventional renewables such as on-site solar, the company will introduce thermal batteries for zero-carbon heat, a cutting-edge method that could revolutionize industrial energy consumption.

Collaborating with Rondo Energy, Eastman will implement Rondo Heat Batteries (RHBs) to convert intermittent renewable power into high-temperature heat. These brick-like batteries can store substantial heat for up to 24 hours with minimal loss, offering a sustainable solution for recycling polyester waste with significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of thermal batteries, powered by renewable energy, will enable Eastman to produce new materials with up to 90% fewer emissions compared to those produced from fossil feedstocks. Through a partnership with PepsiCo, Eastman Renew materials from the Longview facility will be used to create environmentally friendly packaging with a reduced carbon footprint.

This can be a true game changer for providing low- or zero-carbon power for industrial processes. Anywhere there are great needs for process heat — and Eastman uses a lot of heat to power our processes — thermal batteries can be a solution because you’re able to store heat for so long with so little loss. Another plus of building this new facility at an existing site is that if we run into challenges as we’re integrating the new thermal technology, we have backup steam and power systems in place to allow continued operations.

Neil Brown, an Eastman engineer

Beyond the environmental benefits, the Longview project will have a positive impact on the community. Eastman has committed a $20 million investment for a comprehensive community benefit plan as part of the DOE award. The overall project is expected to generate 1,000 temporary construction and trade jobs and 200 full-time positions upon completion in the 2027 timeframe.