PET Bottles – Focus on circular and sustainable packaging 20-12-2023
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Tomra and Sutco Collaborate to Enhance Sorting Capabilities at Svensk Plaståtervinning’s Expanded Facility in Sweden
Svensk Plaståtervinning’s Site Zero, a Swedish plastics recycling facility, has undergone a significant expansion with the support of technology providers Tomra and Sutco.
The facility, located in Motala, Sweden, now boasts over 60 Tomra Autosort units as part of its sorting process for discarded packaging, resulting in 12 marketable polymer fractions. The expansion, completed in late 2022, positions the facility to process up to 42 metric tons of material per hour, contributing to the CEO’s vision of achieving zero waste and closing the loop on plastics in Sweden. PET Bottles
Mattias Philipsson, CEO of Svensk Plaståtervinning, emphasized the importance of the project in increasing plastic recycling rates in Sweden, aiming to tap into the substantial potential of recyclable materials.
The collaboration with Tomra and Sutco has allowed the facility to adopt state-of-the-art sorting technology, facilitating material recovery and achieving purity levels of up to 98 percent. PET Bottles
The project reflects a successful partnership, with Tomra providing cutting-edge sorting technology, Sutco leading in plant construction, and Svensk Plaståtervinning driving the initiative.
The resulting Site Zero serves as a model for sorting facilities across Europe, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The facility’s owner has plans to further enhance reprocessing capacities nearby, solidifying the project’s impact on the circular economy and promoting a greener future for plastic recycling. PET Bottles
Victoria’s largest PET plastic bottle recycling plant opens
A new $50 million PET plastic bottle recycling plant has opened in Melbourne, coinciding with the start of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.
The Circular Plastics Australia (PET) plant has the capability to recycle the equivalent of up to one billion 600ml PET plastic beverage bottles a year into high-quality, food-grade resin, which is then used to make new recycled PET beverage bottles and food packaging such as meat trays and fruit punnets.
PET is a joint venture between Pact Group, Cleanaway Waste Management, Asahi Beverages, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and was formed to accelerate the local plastic circular economy. PET Bottles
Amanda Sellers, CEO of Asahi Beverages, said it is a big step towards creating a truly circular economy in Victoria.
“This plant helps ensure soft drink bottles collected via the Victorian CDS and recycling bins get another life as beverage bottles or food packaging.”
The facility is the biggest of its kind in Victoria and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment capable of producing 2.5 tonnes of recycled PET resin per hour, and at full production, the facility will employ about 45 people for its 24/7 operations and supported around 60 full-time jobs during its construction. PET Bottles
Orlando Rodriguez, Managing Director at CCEP, said CCEP is determined to be a leader in Australia’s circular economy.
“Through this investment, alongside the introduction of Victoria’s CDS, we have made great strides in closing the loop on beverage packaging locally. Seven out of 10 of our PET bottles are now made from 100 per cent recycled plastic (excluding caps and labels).”
This is the second PET recycling facility now operational in Australia, with the first, in Albury NSW, commencing operations in March 2022. PET Bottles
Focus on circular and sustainable packaging
The emerging significance of recycling technologies
The increased focus on the environment and climate has pushed companies harder to consider the sustainability of packaging and at the same time maintain its quality. Recycling technologies are critical components of the continuously improving process of transforming discarded plastic into new products.
Advanced and mechanical recycling each have an important role in creating more efficient processes. PET Bottles
Speaking on the importance of the topic, Bambang Candra, Asia-Pacific commercial vice-president, of Dow packaging & specialty plastics told Packaging South Asia, “At Dow, we recognize that the world simultaneously needs more sustainable packaging options and less waste.
Plastic waste is in large supply – but it is not being accessed.
The gap between the downstream demand for circular plastics and the available supply is significant. The recycling of packaging waste, however, presents considerable logistical and operational challenges – with materials often ending up incinerated or buried along with general household waste.” PET Bottles
According to Candra, though about 54% of recycled waste comprises rigid plastics, there is significant room for flexible packaging to become more recyclable. “The industry must realize that plastics are simply too valuable to be thrown away.
The 18 million metric tons of recycled plastic waste in 2022 alone generated a total gross product equivalent to CNY (Chinese Yuan) 105 billion (US$14.8 billion) in value. There is value in waste, and we are working to transform waste into circular and renewable solutions that contribute to sustainable packaging.” PET Bottles
US Paraxylene Contracts Exhibit a Decline in December
In December, contract prices for U.S. paraxylene (PX) witnessed a decline, dropping by one cent to reach 54 cents per pound (equivalent to USD 1,190.5 per tonne). This dip in prices can be attributed to the persistent downward trend in mixed xylene (MX) prices, coupled with subdued demand in the market. The ongoing decrease in xylene prices follows the culmination of the summer driving season, a period marked by heightened demand for MX due to increased gasoline consumption.
However, the outlook for MX demand suggests a continuing decline throughout the remainder of the year. PET Bottles
The surplus in paraxylene supply remains a significant factor influencing pricing dynamics. The subdued demand for paraxylene stems from the sluggish market conditions for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), primarily driven by factors such as elevated mortgage rates and interest rates. These economic factors have rendered home purchases, renovations, and automobile acquisitions less affordable for consumers. Consequently, the demand for PET, a major application of paraxylene, has remained low.
Paraxylene plays a pivotal role in the production of polyester, as well as in the manufacturing of terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). These materials serve as key components in various industries, with approximately 98% of paraxylene utilized for polyester and TPA or DMT production. Moreover, DMT is also employed in the synthesis of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. PET Bottles
Teijin Frontier Announces Development Of Microft™ MX, A New Material For Sports And Outdoor Wear That Evenly Combines The Texture And Functionality Of Polyester And Nylon
Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, today announced the development of Microft™ MX, a next-generation, high-quality, high-performance material. This product is made from highly-deformed cross-section multifilament yarn*, which is a uniform mixture of single filaments of polyester and nylon, using a unique spinning technology, as the optimal woven or knitted structure. The evenly mixed polyester and nylon filaments produce deep colors. PET Bottles
And Microft™ MX has the appearance of a finely woven chambray due to difference in dyeing effect of both materials.
*Multifilament yarn: A filament yarn made by pulling together dozens of single yarns (single fibers) into a single yarn.
The raw yarn has a gently V-shaped highly-deformed cross-section, which provides bulkiness and a spun-like, soft texture. Uniformly mixing polyester and nylon on the surface and in the structure of the woven fabric produces a combination of desirable features from both materials, such as the abrasion resistance and color development capabilities of nylon, and the water absorption, quick-drying properties and shape stability of polyester. PET Bottles
In recent years, fashions that combine the practicality of sports and outdoor apparel with lifestyle have been expanding in popularity. There is a growing need for fabrics with superior functionality, plus new looks and textures, that differ from conventional products.
Polyester and nylon are often used in sports and outdoor clothing. Advances in product development are being made to take advantage of polyester’s stretch properties, dimensional stability, water absorption and quick-drying properties, and nylon’s abrasion resistance and vivid colors. However, no progress has been made in developing materials that combine the texture and functionality of polyester and nylon. PET Bottles
Proposed Bill Aims to Transform Plastic Bottle Recycling reducing dependence on virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Authority and collaboratively crafted by experts from the Ministry of Industry and the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center, the bill is positioned to legalize the incorporation of recycled PET (R-PET), particularly in the reuse of plastic bottles for food packaging.
Bekele Mekuria, the director of the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center, underscores the necessity of standardized regulations for R-PET in food packaging. Aligning with the ‘Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal Control Decree Proclamation’ established in 2018, the proposed regulation aims to meticulously outline procedures for integrating R-PET into food packaging. PET Bottles
The potential impact is immense—projected cost savings of up to USD 50 million annually in PET imports, job creation, and a substantial contribution to environmental preservation. The bill, currently under review by the Ministry of Justice, spans nine sections and over two dozen articles. It delineates roles, responsibilities, and standards for the entire process, encompassing PET material technology, control systems, compliance, and quality standards.
Once approved, the regulation is poised to attract investors to the packaging industry, fostering a sustainable future. It mandates transparent labeling by recycling companies and obligates food producers to inform consumers about packaging specifics, promoting responsible practices. PET Bottles
This regulatory framework marks a pivotal step towards mitigating the adverse effects of plastic waste, emphasizing the intersection of human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Coca-Cola introduces 100% recycled PET bottles for the first time in Malaysia
The new 100% recycled plastic PET bottles prominently feature the slogan Dari Botol Jadi Botol – signifying the transformative journey each bottle takes to re-enter the supply chain.
Coca-Cola Malaysia is making significant strides towards circularity in plastic packaging. On Dec 14, their nationwide launch featured CocaCola Original Taste and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 500ml bottles made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, excluding the caps and labels. PET Bottles
Coca-Cola currently offers at least one brand made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in over 40 countries worldwide, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and now Malaysia.
The launch follows the company’s efforts to address the urgent issue of plastic waste and to promote sustainability in Malaysia. These efforts involve various strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing closed loop circular packaging.
Earlier on Oct 11, Coca-Cola Malaysia, in collaboration with the American Malaysian Chamber Of Commerce (Amcham Malaysia), hosted the Our Future, Our Choice sustainability forum where key stakeholders, including the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as well as the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA) were in attendance. PET Bottles
The panel discussed the role of post-consumer packaging in advancing the circular economy, stressing the importance of creating the right ecosystem for collecting and recycling plastics, while ensuring consumers understand the recycling process.
The Coca-Cola Company (Asean and South Pacific) sustainability and partnerships director Kirsten van Zandwijk stated: “Recognising the urgency and complexity of the plastic waste challenge in Malaysia, we acknowledge the collaborative efforts needed to address this issue.
“In line with our commitment to building a circular economy in the country, we are introducing innovative packaging designs like our new 100% recycled plastic bottles. These bottles align with our brand philosophy of Dari Botol Jadi Botol, emphasising that every bottle has a second life. PET Bottles
We are also expanding collection and recycling programmes and deepening stakeholder and industry partnerships.
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