Circularity and sustainability go hand in hand. As America’s Plastic Makers® continue to work towards a circular economy for plastics, a major focus will be on innovating to achieve carbon reductions and recycling and remanufacturing used plastic so it doesn’t end up in landfills and oceans. One of America’s Plastic Makers, Eastman Chemical, is developing high-performing products that can be recycled again and again – keeping more plastic out of the environment and lowering their carbon footprint.
On this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Joshua Baca speaks with Eastman Chemical CEO Mark Costa to discuss innovative plastics technology. Joshua and Mark dive into how Eastman’s materials help promote circularity in fashion, food and beverage packaging, and automotive, as well as how we can move forward innovative strategies like advanced recycling.
On This Episode:
Mark Costa
Mark Costa is Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman, a global material innovation company that leverages its world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions to customers in diverse end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables.
Throughout his career at Eastman, Mark has been instrumental in developing the strategies, capabilities, and outcome-driven culture that have led to the company’s greatest period of innovative growth.
He has led the company through a major transformation to becoming a leading material innovation company, beginning with a significant change in portfolio by divesting commodity businesses and acquiring and integrating several specialty companies. This transformation has been fueled by his belief in the power of innovation to create value for all stakeholders and deliver on the company’s purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way.
As a champion of sustainable innovations, Mark has overseen the launch of Eastman’s two new Advanced Circular Recycling technologies aimed at helping to solve the global waste crisis and meaningfully address climate change.
Mark’s passion for a more inclusive and diverse workforce has led to a stronger company culture that strives to create an environment where all employees can bring their true selves to work without fear of bias or discrimination so they can contribute to their fullest potential.
Mark first came to know Eastman during his time as a senior partner with Monitor, a world-leading strategy consulting firm. In 2006, Mark joined Eastman’s executive team as Chief Marketing Officer and leader of corporate strategy and business development. He was named Executive Vice President and assumed profit and loss responsibilities for Specialty Plastics and Performance Polymers businesses in addition to his prior responsibilities in 2008. The following year, his role was expanded to lead the Specialty Products businesses. During this time, he also served as Chief Marketing Officer and headed the global integrated supply chain as well as Eastman’s global innovation and sustainability initiatives. In 2013, Mark was named President of Eastman Chemical Company and was appointed to the company’s Board of Directors. He assumed his current position in 2014.
Mark serves on the Executive Committee for the American Chemistry Council. He is also an active member of the Society for Chemical Industries (SCI), The Business Roundtable, and The Business Council.
A native of Carmel, California, Mark received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mark is married and has two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, skiing and mountain biking.
