Eastman receives RecyClass approval for eight copolyester resins

Eastman, headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, has received RecyClass recyclability approvals for eight copolyester resins and their equivalent Renew grades, which contain recycled content.

Six of Eastman's copolyesters, also known as specialty polyethylene terephthalate (PET), were classified as fully compatible with state-of-the-art recycling processes by the nonprofit for PET bottles in Europe. The resins include:

• Cristal EN076;
• Cristal One;
• Cristal One Pro;
• Cristal One IM812;
• Cristal One E; and
• Cristal One E Lux.

Additionally, Eastman's Cristal EN067 and Cristal EN059 resins were recognized as “limited compatible” by RecyClass. The approvals follow independent testing conducted by PTI-Europe and Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE), following an adapted version of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PET bottles.

Eastman says these modified copolyesters do not interfere with the established recycling processes, making them an ideal solution for nonbeverage applications such as skincare jars, bottles, caps and color cosmetics, and add that with their lower crystallization rates compared with standard PET, the resins offer durability, high transparency and luster in final products.

“The results highlight the ongoing efforts of the plastics industry to develop high-performance packaging solutions that align with state-of-the-art recycling infrastructures and contribute toward increasing plastics circularity,” Eastman says.