1.Eastman Launches Ethyl Acetate “Circular Solution,” Targeting 30% of Product Sourced from Renewable Carbon by 2027
On November 20, 2025, Eastman Chemical announced a major strategic shift: integrating its global ethyl acetate business into its “Circular Solutions” division, focusing on promoting a closed-loop production model using bio-based ethanol as the raw material. The company has simultaneously established solvent recovery and regeneration centers in North America and Europe, aiming to source over 30% of its ethyl acetate products from renewable carbon sources by 2027. This innovation reduces carbon emissions from solvent production by 42% while maintaining performance metrics equivalent to traditional products.
This development aligns with broader industry movements, as seen in initiatives like the clean solvent recycling project jointly launched by PPG and SAIC General Motors, which is set to reduce CO₂ emissions by 430 tons annually. Such efforts underscore a transformative trend in the chemical sector, where sustainability is increasingly driven by the dual engines of bio-based feedstocks and advanced circular systems. By prioritizing renewable resources and efficient recycling, these innovations not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance resource efficiency, setting a new benchmark for green manufacturing in the industry. The convergence of bio-based inputs and circular methodologies represents a holistic approach to decarbonizing production processes, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient industrial future.
2.PPG and SAIC-GM Officially Launch Solvent Recycling Project in Suzhou on October 1, 2025
On October 1, 2025, automotive coatings leader PPG, in partnership with SAIC General Motors, officially launched a pioneering solvent recycling initiative in Suzhou. This project establishes a comprehensive, closed-loop system encompassing the full lifecycle of solvents: from production and application to targeted recovery, resource regeneration, and reuse. Leveraging advanced distillation technology, the process efficiently extracts high-purity components from waste solvents.
The program is designed to recover over 430 tons of waste solvents annually, achieving an impressive reuse rate of 80%. This effort is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 430 tons each year, significantly lowering the environmental footprint of automotive coating operations. By transforming waste into valuable resources, the collaboration sets a new green benchmark for the industry, demonstrating a scalable model of circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.
3.Chinese Scientists Achieve Kiloton-Level Industrialization of Green Ionic Liquid Solvents with 99% Recovery Rate
On June 18, 2025, the world’s first kiloton-level ionic liquid-based regenerated cellulose fiber project commenced operations in Xinxiang, Henan. Developed by a research team led by Academician Zhang Suojiang, this innovative technology replaces the highly corrosive acids, alkalis, and carbon disulfide used in traditional viscose processes with non-volatile and stable ionic liquids. The new system achieves near-zero discharge of wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste, while boasting a solvent recovery rate exceeding 99%. Each ton of product reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 5,000 tons.
Already applied in sectors such as healthcare and textiles, this breakthrough provides a sustainable pathway for the green transformation of the chemical fiber industry, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly solvent utilization on an industrial scale.
Post time: Dec-04-2025