Bangkok: Dow is moving forward with transforming domestic plastic waste into high-quality PCR pellets. Dow Thailand Group is continuing its production of high-quality Post-Consumer Recycled Resin (PCR) from used plastics collected in Thailand. This initiative aims to provide more options for the industry, create new value from plastic waste, and increase opportunities for reintroducing resources back into the production process.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkasit Lakhananithiphan, Senior Vice President, Joint Ventures, Dow Thailand Group, stated that the demand for recycled materials in packaging is continuously increasing. Many countries are beginning to implement regulations regarding the use of recycled materials in packaging, while Thailand itself is currently considering related guidelines. This makes access to high-quality recycled materials more important. To help meet this demand, Dow sources used plastics from consumers in Thailand and processes them rigorously, leveraging its expertise in materials science and world-class manufacturing standards. Using advanced technology and quality control, the process transforms used plastics into high-quality PCR pellets for industrial packaging applications, thus adding value to materials that would otherwise be lost from the economic system.
Currently, Dow offers two grades of PCR pellets manufactured in Thailand under the REVOLOOPS brand for packaging film applications: a grade with 100% recycled material for stretch film and a grade with 80% recycled material for shrink film and general film blowing applications. The latter grade has been enhanced with Dow's innovative pellets to improve mechanical properties, enhance appearance, reduce defects, and maintain performance according to packaging specifications.
The launch of PCR beads made from plastic waste in Thailand expands Dow's recycled materials portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, building upon the company's existing PCR product portfolio in the region. This provides customers with greater flexibility to achieve their recycling goals and meet diverse application needs. Furthermore, the Thai-produced PCR beads will support demand in the Asia Pacific region, strengthen Dow's circular economy network, and increase access to high-quality recycled materials solutions.
Those interested can learn more about REVOLOOPS and Dow's circular economy solutions for packaging at Polyethylene | Products and Solutions | Dow Thailand or contact Dow Thailand via Facebook for advice on developing packaging that best suits their business needs.