Virginia Rep. Morgan Griffith tours Eastman's recycling operations

KINGSPORT — Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith toured Eastman Chemical Co.'s manufacturing site on Tuesday, according to a news release. Griffith, a Republican who represents Virginia's 9th Congressional District, was able to get a firsthand look at how the company is using methanolysis recycling technology. The 9th Congressional District includes all of Southwest Virginia and borders Tennessee. He started the visit at Eastman's mixed plastics processing operation, where waste polyester is sorted, cleaned and prepared for recycling. He then toured the methanolysis facility, which according to the release "breaks down hard-to-recycle polyester waste into molecular building blocks that can be used to make new materials for applications including food-grade packaging, household products and durable goods." While Eastman's Kingsport operations is outside of Griffith's district, the company is a considered a major employer for his constituents — with around 700 Virginia residents working at the Kingsport site. Griffith also represents Eastman's manufacturing site in Martinsville, Virginia, which employs around 650 people. "Reliable energy and a strong manufacturing base are essential to America's economic future," Griffith said in the release. "Eastman's footprint extends across our region, providing good jobs for hundreds of Southwest Virginians in Kingsport and at its sites in Martinsville/Henry County. Seeing these innovative recycling operations firsthand underscores the value of having an innovative, established manufacturer investing in our region, strengthening the local economy and creating meaningful employment opportunities." The visit provided a chance to discuss federal policies impacting chemical manufacturing, energy, environmental performance and supply chains. "Innovation moves faster when policy keeps pace with technology," Brad Lich, Eastman executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in the release. "A clear policy framework can unlock greater investment in recycling, strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and help us meet growing customer demand for circular materials. We were pleased to host Congressman Griffith and appreciate his support for policies that advance innovation and strengthen manufacturing across our region and the country."