Dow and SCG Chemicals or SCGC, announced the signing of a first-of-its kind memorandum of understanding (MOU) circularity partnership in the Asia Pacific region to transform 200KTA of plastic waste into circular products by 2030.
The partners intend to accelerate technology development in the value chain to enable recycling through both mechanical recycling (MR) and advanced recycling (AR) and convert a broader range of plastic waste into high-value applications.
The initial phases are expected to include establishing a value growth partnership for post-consumer recycled materials (PCR) with current suppliers, and developing technology solutions in waste sorting, MR and AR in Thailand. The phases aim to build a robust materials ecosystem in South-east Asia. This ecosystem will ultimately enable better plastic waste collection, recycling and management, and accelerate plastic circularity.
The parties anticipate that subsequent phases of the partnership will include sourcing of plastic waste feedstocks in South-east Asia including potential expansion into other parts of the region including China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand.
"Asia has one of the largest sources of convertible plastic waste. We want to disrupt how the region currently handles waste and structure a new model that values, sources, and transforms plastic waste. Our partnership with SCGC will enable both companies to be key players in enabling greater circularity in the region by leveraging our complementary portfolio, research and development capabilities, and technology licensing," said Bambang Candra, APAC commercial vice president, Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Dow. "Combined with our existing technical expertise in producing high-performance resins, our customers will also find value in the optimization of total cost in use, availability and quality of plastic waste across the materials ecosystem."
