Introduction

Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have jointly inauguratedthe Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Biochemicals. This state-of-the-art initiative is designed to accelerate India’s shift from fossil-based chemicals to sustainable, bio-based alternatives.

The launch was graced by Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI; R. Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals; and Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI.
By focusing on renewable feedstocks, the Centre will spearhead technologies that are both cost-effectiveand scalable. Film Recycling

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Biomanufacturing

The Centre is equipped with a wide range of bioreactor systems, covering small, medium, and large capacities. These allow for upstream fermentation and downstream processing at pilot scales.
Such facilities make it possible to validate bioprocess technologies before full commercialization.

A major initial focus will be on 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO) production, a versatile
platform chemical used in plastics, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and even as a precursor for bio-jet fuel. This builds on TERI’s pioneering research and positions the Centre as a hub for specialty biochemicals and professional training. Film Recycling

Industry Leaders on the Initiative

“India’s chemical industry is at a critical juncture. To achieve the vision of a US$1 trillion market by 2040 while meeting our climate goals, we must shift from fossil-based processes to sustainable alternatives.”
— Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI

“The CoE will serve as a crucible for cutting-edge research, scalable technologies, and skilled talent—paving the way for India to lead the global transition to green chemistry.”
— R. Mukundan, MD & CEO, Tata Chemicals Film Recycling

“This Centre is more than a research facility—it is a biomanufacturing hub designed to bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and commercial-scale production.”
— Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI

Driving India’s Bioeconomy Transition

Valued at $220 billion today, India’s chemical industry is projected to grow
to $1 trillion by 2040. However, heavy reliance on fossil-based feedstocks
creates both environmental and economic risks. Film Recycling

Biotechnology presents a viable solution. Fermentation-based production of biochemicals
such as enzymes, metabolites, fatty acids, pigments, and polymers offers
cleaner alternatives. Yet, high downstream processing costs—accounting for nearly 70% of
expenses—remain a barrier to commercial adoption in India.

The Centre directly supports the Government of India’s Bio-E³ policy
(Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment). By accelerating
high-performance biomanufacturing, it will reduce fossil dependency and foster
green growth. Film Recycling

Paving the Way for Global Green Chemistry Leadership

The TCL–TERI Centre of Excellence is more than a facility—it’s a symbol of India’s
growing leadership in green chemistry. By bridging the gap between
lab-scale innovation and industrial commercialization, the Centre provides a
template for sustainable chemical production worldwide.

With its focus on collaboration, training, and scalable technology, the initiative
will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also empower India to emerge
as a global leader in sustainable biomanufacturing. Film Recycling

Key Solutions on Display

At K 2025, Victrex will showcase a suite of polymer innovations designed for mission-critical applications across diverse industries. These solutions are engineered for environments where reliability cannot be compromised, offering superior durability, thermal stability, and wear resistance.

Electrification Applications

The global shift toward electrification demands materials that perform under extreme operating conditions. Victrex’s high-performance polymers are enabling advancements in electric vehicles and advanced electrical systems. Film Recycling

Showcase parts will illustrate how Victrex polymers deliver enhanced electrical insulation, improve thermal management, and reduce overall system weight — all while maintaining exceptional performance under demanding real-world conditions.

Extreme Purity Innovations

In industries such as medical technology, food processing, and semiconductors, purity is non-negotiable. Victrex will display applications that highlight how its specialized polymer grades meet the most stringent purity requirements.

These solutions demonstrate biocompatibility and reliability in life-critical devices, while also enabling next-generation technologies where contamination control and material integrity are paramount. Film Recycling

Cost Reduction & Design Freedom

Engineering teams often balance innovation with the realities of cost constraints and manufacturability. Victrex will present examples of how PEEK polymers can replace conventional materials to unlock new design possibilities while lowering total system costs.

This approach not only reduces reliance on traditional metals but also enables lighter, smarter, and more efficient product designs across multiple industries.

3DP, Composites & Films for Demanding Applications

Since the commercial introduction of PEEK polymers over 40 years ago, Victrex has been expanding the boundaries of materials science. At K 2025, the company will spotlight the latest in:

• Additive manufacturing materials tailored for high-performance 3D printing
• Advanced composites offering superior strength-to-weight ratios
• Specialized films and precision-engineered components Film Recycling
• Application-specific grades for aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, medical, and industrial manufacturing

This comprehensive portfolio reflects Victrex’s mission to partner with engineers in solving the world’s most complex engineering challenges.

CEO Statement

“Every day, engineers worldwide are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, solving challenges that didn’t exist a decade ago. Whether you’re designing for extreme temperatures, developing lighter-weight solutions, meeting stringent purity requirements, or accelerating time-to-market, our role is to enable you as your materials innovation partner. At K 2025, we’re showcasing real application examples that demonstrate how the right high-performance polymer solution, combined with our technical expertise, can accelerate your innovation journey and help you achieve breakthrough results.” Film Recycling

Overview of the Project

Indorama Ventures, in partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Education Department, has successfully completed its Sustainable Plastic Waste Management Project. Running from 2023 to 2025, the initiative transformed classrooms into hubs for environmental education and community engagement. Film Recycling

By directly involving teachers, students, and local communities, the project created a culture of waste separation and PET plastic recycling at the source. Over three years, it engaged more than 31,200 participants, making it one of Bangkok’s most impactful
sustainability-driven education campaigns.

Building Awareness at the Source

The project was launched to address a major urban waste challenge: recyclable PET plastics ending up in general waste streams instead of re-entering the circular economy. Its mission was clear:

• Instill awareness of waste separation at the source
• Develop tailored teaching materials and school activities on waste management
• Encourage PET recycling back into production processes
• Build a network of model teachers and student leaders Film Recycling

With education as its backbone, the program turned theory into everyday practice, ensuring that recycling became a consistent behavior among students and their families.

Core Activities of the Program

The project was structured around four interconnected activities that reinforced each other:

Activity 1: Education Roadshows

Roadshows reached 100 BMA schools, training 9,695 teachers and students on proper waste sorting and PET recycling. Film Recycling
A total of 480 copies of the Teaching Manual on Proper Waste Sorting were distributed. Developed with expert input, these manuals were customized for lower primary, upper primary, and lower secondary levels, integrating circular economy concepts into
classrooms.

Activity 2: PET Train the Trainer

Now in its second year, this initiative trained 40 teachers from 20 schools to deepen their waste management skills.
Nine model teachers from the first year mentored newcomers, creating a strong peer-learning network that ensures continuity. Film Recycling

Activity 3: Model School and Teacher Awards

Recognition played a key motivational role. A total of 164 schools earned awards for their achievements in sustainable plastic waste management. The honors included 47 Excellent, 51 Good, and 66 Qualified awards. Additionally, 14 teachers from seven schools
were recognized as role models in 2025.

Activity 4: PET Collection for Recycling

In collaboration with WasteBuy Delivery Co. Ltd., schools collected over 3.5 tons of PET bottles in 2025, equivalent to a fully loaded six-wheel truck. This effort reduced landfill volume by more than 11 cubic meters. All bottles were processed at Indorama
Ventures’ recycling facility in Nakhon Pathom province, where they were transformed into recycled PET bottles, polyester fibers, and other products—reinforcing the principles of a circular economy. Film Recycling

Measurable Impact and Results

By combining education, recognition, and tangible recycling results, the project created systemic change. Students learned not only how to sort waste, but also why it matters. Teachers gained access to high-quality materials and mentorship. Schools became models for surrounding communities.

Most importantly, PET waste was successfully diverted from landfills and reintroduced into production, proving the economic and environmental value of circularity. Film Recycling

Voices from Key Stakeholders

“Effective plastic waste management, particularly of PET bottles, is a key priority for Bangkok. When properly sorted at the source, PET can
be recycled into new products of value, reducing landfill waste and advancing the city’s ‘No Mixed Waste’ policy.”

— Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok and Chief Sustainability Officer, BMA

“Teachers, students, and schools have played a vital role in turning knowledge into meaningful action. Our sincere thanks go to Indorama
Ventures for their valued partnership, and to the dedicated educators and students whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, more sustainable
Bangkok.”

— Ms. Pissamai Rueangsil, Director General, Department of Education, BMA Film Recycling

“Our long-standing collaboration with BMA has helped make recycling a familiar practice within schools, families, and communities. Since
2011, Indorama Ventures has recycled 150 billion post-consumer PET bottles—proof that collective action delivers real circular economy
benefits.”

— Mrs. Aradhana Lohia Sharma, Vice President of Finance and Wool Business, Indorama Ventures Film Recycling

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The successful completion of the Sustainable Plastic Waste Management Project marks not an endpoint, but a stepping stone. The partnership between Indorama Ventures and the BMA has proven that education-led initiatives can create lasting behavioral change and measurable environmental benefits.

With strong networks of trained teachers, motivated students, and engaged schools, Bangkok is well-positioned to build on this foundation.
Future initiatives will likely expand the scope of recycling, deepen curriculum integration, and foster even stronger community involvement. Film Recycling

Both organizations remain committed to advancing the circular economy—ensuring that PET and other recyclable materials are continuously reprocessed, reducing waste, and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.