Sabic creates certified circular polymers from recycling of recovered ocean-bound plastic
Sabic, a global leader in the chemical industry, and Malaysia-based plastic recycling company HHI, have announced a new collaboration to create the first certified circular polymers produced through the advanced recycling of recovered mixed and used ocean-bound plastic. The certified circular polyolefins from ocean-bound plastic, from Sabic’s Trucircle portfolio of circular solutions, will be used by Sabic’s customers to announce new products over the coming months.
As well as helping to protect oceans and waterways, the ocean-bound plastic collection helps to create value for local communities by increasing demand for recycled plastic across the industry. The material is recovered from oceanfeeding waterways and inland areas within a 50 kilometer radius of the ocean by HHI partners predominantly in Malaysia.
The recovered material is then sent to HHI, where they convert the used plastic into pyrolysis oil through an advanced recycling. The pyrolysis oil is then used by Sabic in their production process as an alternative to traditional fossil materials to make new certified circular polymers. The material has been certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans accreditation, and HHI is the first organisation to have received certification confirming the materials it recycles qualify as ocean-bound.
HHI created its own model to outline the steps required to facilitate the transition to a circular economy. The model has five stages which are to collect ocean-bound plastic through its extensive network; convert them into high-quality, manufacturable materials; collaborate with partners to create new products; provide customers with the platform to champion their use of more sustainable materials; and catalyse a generation of conscientious consumers who will opt for sustainable materials.
