Bio-degradable Plastics – Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics Industries in China Policy framework, market trends, technologies and outlook for PLA, PA, PHA and PBAT Hürth, 28 May 2024: The new report by nova-Institute presents a timely market analysis of China’s bio[1]based and biodegradable plastics industries and markets in 2024 01-06-2024
Bio-degradable Plastics
LyondellBasell Expands Core PP Business with 35% Stake in NATPET
LyondellBasell (LYB) and Alujain Corporation (Alujain) announced the acquisition of a 35% interest in the National Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET) by LYB from Alujain. This venture utilizes LYB’s Spheripol polypropylene (PP) technology, enhancing LYB’s core PP business with access to advantaged feedstocks and increased product marketing volumes. Bio-degradable Plastics
LYB CEO Peter Vanacker stated, “This investment underscores our dedication to growing and upgrading our core businesses, fortifying our presence in Saudi Arabia with a long-term partnership. Together with Alujain, we will leverage LYB’s leading technology and global market positions, providing customers with enhanced supply reliability through a more extensive global operations and marketing network.”
Alujain’s Chairman, Mohammed Bin Saleh AlKhalil, expressed satisfaction with the strengthened partnership, noting its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and strategies of the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Industry. This collaboration aims to produce high-end materials to meet both local and global customer demands and boost the propylene downstream sector in the Kingdom. Bio-degradable Plastics
NATPET has an annual PP production capacity of approximately 400,000 tons. LYB will market the majority of this production through its global network. Additionally, LYB and Alujain are exploring the construction of a new propylene via propane dehydrogenation (PDH) and PP facility at the NATPET site, targeting high-end products and supporting Saudi Arabia’s 2060 Carbon reduction strategy.
Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages Unveils Sustainable Packaging Technology
Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, serving Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City, has partnered with WestRock to introduce recyclable paperboard carriers for multipack bottled beverages, replacing 200,000 pounds of plastic rings annually. Bio-degradable Plastics
The new packaging, featuring PETCollarTM Shield Plus, is now in use at Liberty’s Philadelphia production facility.
This innovative solution, designed by WestRock, makes Liberty Coca-Cola the first beverage distributor globally to adopt this paperboard technology. The durable, easy-to-hold carriers are utilized for Coca-Cola’s 12-ounce and 16.9-ounce multipacks.
Fran McGorry, co-owner of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, emphasized the significant environmental impact, stating, “We expect to replace 200,000 pounds of plastic a year from our multi-state territory.” Sam Shoemaker, president of Consumer Packaging at WestRock, praised Liberty Coca-Cola’s dedication to sustainability. Bio-degradable Plastics
Local officials and stakeholders celebrated the new technology’s unveiling. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada highlighted the positive community impact, noting, “This is an opportunity for Philadelphia to showcase Liberty’s efforts and demonstrate our city’s commitment to a better environment.”
Liberty Coca-Cola’s sustainability initiatives include producing bottles from 100% recycled plastic and installing a sustainable compactor for recycling plastic and aluminum containers.
Anchor Packaging Joins Cyclyx Consortium for Plastic Recycling Innovation
Anchor Packaging, a leading North American manufacturer of thermoformers, has joined the Cyclyx consortium to enhance recycling pathways and transform food-grade plastic recycling. Bio-degradable Plastics
In 2021, Anchor launched the Drive for 5 initiative to develop new pathways for collecting polypropylene (PP). Joining Cyclyx, a post-use plastic innovation company, will support Anchor’s efforts to expand its audience across the value chain and increase volumes of PP material. Cyclyx will also support Anchor’s participation in the 10to90 landfill-diversion programs and new pilot projects.
Richard Daniels, Anchor Packaging’s EVP of Marketing and Custom Products, stated, “Partnering with Cyclyx was an easy decision because their mission and extensive experience enable us to accelerate our work in advancing foodservice sustainability. While packaging’s carbon footprint is just a small fraction of the meal itself, in many cases less than 1%, it is uniquely positioned to provide an outsized benefit by protecting food quality to prevent food waste. Bio-degradable Plastics
Anchor Packaging aims to reduce waste by recapturing nearly all materials used in production, resulting in less than 0.5% waste. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing the sustainability of food packaging and recycling.
Mura Technology Confirms Elite for UK Advanced Recycling Facility
Mura Technology, a leader in advanced plastic recycling, has partnered with Elite Recycling Solutions through a new feedstock supply contract. Elite will provide post-use plastic packaging to Mura’s pioneering hydrothermal recycling facility at Wilton International science park in Teesside, UK. The facility, in its final commissioning phase, is set to begin operations in mid-2024. Mura’s Hydro-PRT process converts waste into hydrocarbons, which can be reused to manufacture new plastics. Bio-degradable Plastics
Mura’s Hydro-PRT uses supercritical water to efficiently recycle a wide range of plastics, offering high yields of recycled hydrocarbons. The process allows unlimited recycling cycles, significantly reducing the need for fossil resources in plastic production and increasing material circularity.
A 2023 LCA by Warwick Manufacturing Group showed Hydro-PRT saves 1.8t CO2 eq. per tonne of waste plastic processed, an 80% reduction compared to incineration.
A forthcoming 2024 study indicates a 42% carbon emissions saving by combining advanced and mechanical recycling, challenging incineration as a waste management method. Bio-degradable Plastics