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MOSCOW (MRC) -- US-based materials
science specialist Dow and Malaysia-based plastic stretch cling film producer
Thong Guan has introduced a new range of bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) cling
film for Asia Pacific region, according to BIO MARKET INSIGHTS.
According
to Dow, this marks a milestone in the region’s commercialisation of a plastics
offering made from renewable feedstock, enabling industry providers to produce
high-performance plastics while reducing carbon footprint.
In a joint
effort, Thong Guan will be using Dow’s bio-based resin derived from renewable
feedstock. The feedstock comes from tall oil, a residue of paper production,
from sustainably managed forests.
Unlike other alternative renewable
feedstocks, it does not compete with the human food chain, and no extra land is
required for its production, Dow said in a statement. Dow uses a mass balance
approach, which encourages the use of renewable feedstock, by supporting
sustainable systems for producing plastic. This approach enables the industry to
transition away from its dependency on fossil fuels as a feedstock.
Nano
Bio, the new range of stretch cling films by Thong Guan, will be made using
Dow’s linear low-density polyethylene, ELITE 5230GC R Enhanced Polyethylene
Resins. Without compromising on quality, the new bio-based stretch cling films
will support brand owners in addressing Asia Pacific’s increasing demand for
renewable plastics, Dow maintained.
“To achieve our new sustainability
targets, Dow is committed to implementing and advancing technologies to
manufacture products using fewer resources, thereby helping our customers to
reduce their carbon footprint. Introducing Dow’s first bio-based polyethylene in
Asia Pacific based on renewable feedstock is an important step in this
direction,” said Bambang Candra, Asia Pacific commercial vice president at Dow
Packaging and Specialty Plastics.
Candra added: “In addition, as a part
of the new sustainability targets, Dow is also committed to stopping the leakage
of plastic waste into the environment by enabling 1 million metric tonnes of
plastic to be collected, reused or recycled by 2030 and closing the circular
economy loop by having 100% of its products sold into packaging applications be
reusable or recyclable by 2035.”
The Nano Bio range of stretch cling film
is produced by state-of-the-art nanotechnology, downgauged with increased
strength, flexibility, and durability. In addition to being environmentally
friendly, this optimised packaging ensures pallet load stability and curtails
damages and accidents during transportation.
“This is a landmark moment
for Dow. Introducing bio-based resins for the first time in Asia Pacific, our
fastest growing market, is key in advancing a circular economy. We are proud to
embark on this journey with our long-term partner, Thong Guan, and further both
our sustainability offerings in order to meet our environmental goals,” Eunice
Ch’ng, senior marketing manager at Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, Asia
Pacific.
“We are committed to preserving the environment and resources
for the future world. The continuous collaboration with Dow illustrates our
dedication to offering renewable products and promoting sustainability,” said
Dato’ Ang Poon Chuan, managing director at Thong Guan Industries. “With Dow’s
bio-based resins, our Nano Bio reduces the use of plastics while maintaining the
same high-performance, thus meeting our customers’ business and sustainability
needs.
David Ang, sales and marketing general manager at Thong Guan
Industries said: “Sustainability is not just a buzz word. At Thong Guan, our
commitment is not solely on our products, but also in our processes and daily
consumptions. It is our unequivocal commitment to protect our home, reduce
carbon footprint, and innovate our way towards an ecological balance for our
future generations.”
Dow’s bio-based polyethylene portfolio is produced
using bio-naphtha from tall oil, which is a by-product of paper pulp production.
This new supply chain from bio-feedstocks enables a significantly lower carbon
footprint compared to standard fossil-derived PE resins. In addition, our PE
resins production is certified by ISCC (International Sustainability &
Carbon Certification) based on a mass balance approach. This approach helps
industries become more sustainable by supporting the sourcing of sustainable
ingredients within complex manufacturing or production systems, meaning all
steps meet traceability criteria.
As MRC
reported earlier, Dow Chemical restarted three polyethylene (PE) plants it
shut in April on improving demand after widespread economic shocks in April and
May, confirmed a company spokeswoman July 23.
According to MRC's DataScope report,
PE imports to Russia dropped in January-June 2020 by 7% year on year to 328,000
tonnes. High density polyethylene (HDPE) accounted for the main decrease in
imports.
The Dow Chemical Company is an American multinational chemical
corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. Dow is a large
producer of plastics, including polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and synthetic rubber. |
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