February 15, 2025 – Eastman’s Eight Copolyester Resins Receive RecyClass Recyclability Certification
Eastman has announced that eight of its copolyester resins, along with their equivalent renewable material grades (Renew grades), have successfully obtained RecyClass recyclability certification. These PET resins, which incorporate recycled materials, demonstrate Eastman’s commitment to sustainability.
Notably, six of the copolyester resins, specifically labeled as specialty PETs, have been deemed fully compatible with advanced PET bottle recycling processes in Europe. The six resins are Cristal EN076, Cristal One, Cristal One Pro, Cristal One IM812, Cristal One E, and Cristal One E Lux. They will play a pivotal role in supporting the recycling and reuse of PET bottles.
In addition, according to Color Masterbatch Industry Network, Eastman has two other resins, Cristal EN067 and Cristal EN059, that have been classified as limitedly compatible. This means that these resin materials do not interfere with existing recycling processes, making them ideal for non-beverage packaging applications such as skincare bottles, jars, caps, and cosmetic products. Compared to traditional PET materials, these resins exhibit slower crystallization rates, resulting in higher durability, transparency, and gloss for the final products.
The selection of base resins is a critical factor in the recyclability and regeneration of PET bottles, as it directly impacts the processing temperature for recycling, the viscosity range of recycled PET, and the product’s performance stability. Eastman adheres to strict standards when choosing base resins to ensure the recyclability and regenerability of its products. Furthermore, the company actively promotes the use of post-consumer recycled materials (PCR), including physically and chemically recycled PET, as base resins for PET products, further advancing sustainability efforts.