Eastman, DSI Repurpose Copolyester

plastic slat for pigs

by | Nov 14, 2014

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plastic slat for pigsEastman Chemical has teamed with DSI Plastics to develop a regrinding and reuse stream for Eastman Tritan copolyester and its other copolyester materials, including Eastar and Durastar.

The partnership is part of Eastman’s ongoing work to maximize the recyclability of its polymers.

DSI is a designer and integrated producer of plastic products and has found that Tritan — a new-generation copolyester resin — and other amorphous and crystalline copolyesters are suitable for inclusion in the building and construction market for products such as farm flooring and walls.

The initiative could benefit all manufacturers, molders and appliance producers using Tritan, as well as consumers and collection facilities, Eastman says.

With pressure on plastics molders and product manufacturers to find channels to sustainably dispose of consumer products and molding and manufacturing waste, the initiative provides a viable alternative to incineration or landfill.

Typical Eastman Tritan copolyester products being positioned for recycling include industrial 20-liter, or 5-gallon, bulk water containers and a variety of small appliances. If the animal pen walls are commercially successful, DSI plans to use 300 metric tons of Eastman product per year. To support future growth, DSI has the capacity to add volume for future projects.

DSI recently collaborated with I-TEK, a company in the interior pig equipment industry, to develop and manufacture a new plastic slat that sits underneath the sows’ crates (pictured). Compared to existing products in the marketplace, this new slat provides pig farmers with improved productivity and better sanitary benefits, the company says.

Last month major chemical companies including AkzoNobel, BASF and Eastman Chemical, working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, have published a guide to help chemical industry customers and stakeholders use more sustainable products.

 

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