21 Dec 2022
SABIC enables Scientex group in developing world’s first PP flexible food packaging using post consumer recycled (PCR) ocean bound plastic
- Premium brand instant noodle packaging made with 30% certified PCR plastic content launched in major retail outlets in Malaysia
- This value chain collaboration enables ocean bound plastic (OBP) to be successfully brought back into circular material stream for conversion to high-quality flexible packaging
SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, December 21, 2022 - SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, collaborates with Scientex in the packaging value chain to enable the manufacturer to develop material for the world’s first flexible food packaging made based on advanced recycled OBP, using SABIC® certified circular polypropylene (PP). The material is being used in a premium brand noodles packaging sold in Malaysia.
“We are proud to offer our customers circular solutions to reduce plastic waste that could otherwise end up in our rivers and oceans,” says Abdullah Al Otaibi, General Manager, Engineering Thermoplastic & Market Solutions Business Unit for Petrochemicals at SABIC. “This flexible food packaging containing OBP connects with our TRUCIRCLE™ program of circular solutions designed to help protect our planet.”
OBP is abandoned plastic waste found in areas up to 50 km inland from waterways that may eventually be washed into the ocean by rainfall, rivers or tides.
“Thanks to this highly efficient collaboration with SABIC, we are able to bring the world’s first advance recycled flexible PP food packaging to the Asian market, using circular OBP,” states Paul Ng Kok Leong, Head of BOPP Film Division, Scientex Group. “This successful initiative demonstrates the feasibility of tackling the plastic waste issue through dedicated value chain collaborations and sets a milestone in shaping a circular plastics economy in Malaysia and across South East Asia.”
The OBP used in the project is recovered and converted to pyrolysis oil in an advanced recycling process. SABIC uses this oil as an alternative feedstock to produce certified circular PP polymer for further processing to BOPP film. Scientex then manufactures and prints the noodle packs from this film. The entire chain from the management of the collected OBP to the final packaging is seamlessly accredited under established certification[1] regimes.
With a mass balance accounted OBP content of 30%, the certified circular PP from SABIC performs the same way as incumbent fossil-based virgin PP and could be used as a direct drop-in alternative in this flexible food packaging application, without the need to change its existing assets and processes.
SABIC’s certified circular polymers form part of the company’s TRUCIRCLE portfolio and services for circular solutions. The offering also includes design for recyclability, mechanically recycled products, certified renewable polymers from bio-based feedstock and closed loop initiatives to recycle plastic back into high quality applications and help prevent valuable used plastics from becoming waste.
[1] SABIC’s certified circular polymers obtains its certification from ISCC+ wherein ISCC+ refers to International Sustainability & Carbon Certification. Check link for more info: https://www.iscc-system.org.
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ABOUT SABIC
SABIC is a global diversified chemicals company, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It manufactures on a global scale in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, making distinctly different kinds of products: chemicals, commodity and high performance plastics, agri-nutrients and metals.
SABIC supports its customers by identifying and developing opportunities in key end-use applications such as construction, medical devices, packaging, agri-nutrients, electrical and electronics, transportation and clean energy.
SABIC recorded a net profit of SR 23 billion (US$ 6.15 billion) in 2021. Sales revenues for 2021 totaled SR 174 billion (US$ 46.6 billion). Total assets stood at SR 318 billion (US$ 84.9 billion) at the end of 2021. Production in 2021 stood at 58 million metric tons.
The company has more than 31,000 employees worldwide and operates in around 50 countries. Fostering innovation and a spirit of ingenuity, SABIC has 10,090 patents and pending applications, and has significant research resources with innovation hubs in five key geographies – USA, Europe, Middle East, South Asia and North Asia.
ABOUT SCIENTEX GROUP
Scientex Berhad (Scientex) is a leading manufacturer in flexible plastic packaging and a prominent developer of affordable homes in Malaysia.
Established in 1968, our drive to achieve continuous growth has seen us become one of the world's top manufacturers of stretch film and an end-to-end flexible plastic packaging producer with a presence across the packaging value chain, from stretch films, base films and printed films to bags and multi-layered flexible plastic packaging solutions used in industrial and consumer packaging.
To date, Scientex has 18 manufacturing plants across Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar and the United States of America; as well as sales offices in 9 countries, namely, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and USA. Approximately 70% of its packaging products are exported to over 60 countries worldwide.
Scientex’s property arm has township development projects in Pasir Gudang, Kulai, Skudai, Senai, Pulai, and Kota Tinggi (all in Johor), Ayer Keroh, Durian Tunggal and Jasin (all in Melaka), Rawang and Kundang Jaya (both in Selangor), Tasek Gelugor (Penang), as well as Ipoh (Perak). The Group recently acquired a 139-acre land in Cheras (Selangor), 158-acre and 1,357-acre lands in Jasin (Melaka), 109-acre land in Seremban (Negeri Sembilan), 202-acre land in Pulai (Johor), 161-acre land in Sungai Petani (Kedah), 343-acre land in North Seberang Perai (Penang), and 219-acre land in Ipoh, Perak. The Group is also in the process of acquiring 251-acre land in Jenjarom, Selangor and 960-acre land in Tebrau (Johor). To date, Scientex has delivered RM7.9 billion worth of properties and has projects-in-hand of RM3.1 billion.
Related images
SABIC enables Scientex to implement the world’s first flexible food packaging made from SABIC certified circular polypropylene (PP) based on advanced OBP. With a mass balance accounted OBP content of 30%, the certified circular PP from SABIC performs the same way as the incumbent fossil based virgin grade PP.
(Photo: Scientex)
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