Eastman Chemical : 2021, Oct 21 - Molder, leading Japanese restaurant chain team up to recycle tableware

Ishikawajyushi takes back Eastman Tritan™ copolyester from Saizeriya restaurants

KINGSPORT, Tenn., U.S.A., October 21, 2021 - Plastics molder Ishikawajyushi has established a take-back program with Saizeriya, one of Japan's leading Italian restaurant chains, so its wine glasses, tumblers, beer cups, and decanters made with Eastman Tritan^™ copolyester can be mechanically recycled and repurposed.

Saizeriya, which sells affordable Italian food, has more than 1,000 restaurants and uses Tritan as a lightweight, shatter-resistant, and dishwasher-durable alternative to glass. Saizeriya returns its tableware to Ishikawa after two or three years, depending on its condition. The Tritan is recovered and turned back into pellets to make check holders for the restaurants.

"The durability of Tritan makes it the perfect material for repeat use," said Tsutomu Ishikawa, COO of Ishikawa. "Using recovered Tritan further reduces the use of resources and plastic waste. Saizeriya is a leader in the Japanese restaurant industry and is certainly leading on sustainability."

Tritan is durable, lightweight, BPA free, and can withstand industrial dishwashers.

"This is a unique program in the Asia Pacific region, and we're proud to be working with Ishikawa, a family-owned company that places a high value on quality," said Courtland Jenkins, commercial director of Specialty Plastics for Eastman. "They have a lot of faith in Tritan and currently use it in ARAS, their own brand of premium tableware."

Ishikawa is working on plans to recover Tritan plates and other products it makes for Saizeriya.

Saizeriya drinkware made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester

About Eastman

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2020 revenues of approximately $8.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About Ishikawajyushi

Ishikawajyushi is a manufacturer and brand owner of quality and innovative plastic housewares. Located in Ishikawa, Japan, the company began selling high-quality lacquerware in 1947 and has always strived to capture changing consumer trends and needs. In addition to its innovative plastic lacquerware, non-shattering chopsticks and flat trays, the company has successfully introduced first-of-its-kind commercial tableware made with Tritan from Eastman. Together with its value chain partners, Ishikawajyushi is helping to create a more sustainable society by recycling the plastic waste to make quality durable products.

Media contact:

Laura Mansfield, APR
The Tombras Group
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