Eight Eastman Copolyester Resins Receive RecyClass Certification

Eight of Eastman’s copolyester resins and their equivalent Renew grades containing recycled content have received the RecyClass certification for recyclability. RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative that promotes recyclability, transparency and traceability of plastics in Europe.

Six copolyesters, also known as specialty PET, are classified as fully compatible with Europe’s most advanced PET bottle recycling processes. These include: Cristal™ EN076; Cristal™ One; Cristal™ One Pro; Cristal™ One IM812; Cristal™ One E and Cristal™ One E Lux.

In addition, two Eastman resins, Cristal™ EN067 and Cristal™ EN059, were identified as having limited compatibility.

The approval follows independent testing by PTI-Europe and Plastic Forming Enterprises (PFE) following an adapted version of the protocol for evaluating the recyclability of PET bottles.

The approval means the copolyesters will not interfere with established recycling streams in Europe, making them an ideal solution for brand owners to bring circular solutions to non-beverage packaging applications such as skin care jars, bottles, caps and makeup.

“These resins have a lower crystallization rate compared to standard PET, resulting in durability, high clarity and gloss in the end product,” Eastman explained in a media statement.

Copolyesters are copolymers synthesized by modifying polyesters (a combination of diacids and diols). For example, by introducing isophthalic acid (IPA), or cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) to the polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Copolyesters maintain their strength, clarity and other mechanical properties even when exposed to a variety of chemicals that would normally affect other materials.