The project was conducted with the collaboration of HSBC Thailand, Michelin Thailand, The Street Ratchada and P-far Thailand, who helped collect over 600 kilograms of post-consumer PET bottles, equivalent to 27,000 standard 600-milliliter PET bottles, for recycling and conversion to high-quality yarns at IVL's recycling plant in Nakhon Pathom Province.
Dr. Wiroj Ratanaamornsakul, Chief of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Health Office said, "Due to the new wave of the pandemic, PPE coveralls are in high demand by the Public Health Office and numerous hospitals in Nakhon Pathom Province, as medical health professionals are in close contact with infected patients. Indorama Ventures’ donation of Level 2 PPE coveralls shows how collaboration between the public and private sectors can be a success. The eight hospitals that received the PPE coveralls include Sam Phran Hospital (Wat Rai King), Nakhon Chaisi Hospital, Luang Por Poen Hospital, Huai Phlu Hospital Kamphaeng, Saen Hospital, Bang Len Hospital, Don Tum Hospital and Phutthamonthon Hospital."
Mr. Anivesh Tewari, Plant Head of Indorama Polyester Industries PCL, the IVL PET recycling plant that converts post-consumer bottles into high-quality yarns, said, "IVL is delighted to support efforts to combat the new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Nakhon Pathom, where our recycling plant is located. Caring for people in the community has always been among our top priorities. On behalf of IVL, I would like to express my gratitude for the continuous cooperation of all partner organizations, which demonstrates increasing support and interest in PET bottle recycling. We have been able to leverage our expertise in the PET recycling business to develop yarns for PPE coveralls made of 100% post-consumer PET bottles, becoming the first and only company in Thailand to do so. Today’s contribution is a continuation of the collaboration with our partners that commenced last year. This reflects the benefits of PET plastic as a hygienic and recyclable material, which brings more value to society and maximizes the use of our resources to follow a truly circular economy."
The Level 2 PPE coveralls are made from IVL’s 100% recycled polyester yarns and have double layers for better protection. They are also water-repellent, with hydrostatic pressure properties that offer resistance to infiltration by blood and viruses, suitable for use during the treatment of low- and medium-risk patients. The Level 2 PPE coveralls have been tailored by a producer certified by Thailand's Food and Drug Administration and the Thailand Textile Institute, making them reusable and washable up to 20 times. One coverall is made from around 18 standard 600-milliliter PET bottles.
