PET is a durable, safe, and lightweight material whose versatility and malleability have allowed the creation of a myriad of products essential in our everyday life. Unfortunately, the mismanagement of plastic waste has led to environmental and social challenges. #tide, together with the Swiss University of Applied Sciences IWK, has developed a mechanical process to regenerate the molecular chains of damaged ocean-bound plastic waste and transform these into a premium raw material. In addition to developing the material, #tide is making a positive impact by collecting and upcycling ocean-bound plastic, not only for the environment but also for local communities through job creation, building warehouses and establishing educational programs.
Partnerships are key to reducing waste and environmental impact
The two partners are fully convinced that all industry players must work hand in hand and act today to achieve a successful transition to a circular economy. The partnership between #tide and Sukano opens new doors to broaden the use of this award-winning material. This not only offers a resin with a major impact on reduced carbon emissions, but also with Sukano as the global resin distributor as well as additive and color masterbatch and compounds specialist, a one-stop-shop to introduce this valuable material into new market segments and various end applications through polymer modification.
“Joining forces with likeminded brands and organizations is the only way we can solve plastic pollution once and for all,” states Marc Krebs, CCO at Tide Ocean SA. “With Sukano as a partner we can have an even bigger impact by offering our material to a broader market.”
According to #tide, by choosing ocean-bound RPET over virgin PET, customers can reduce their carbon footprint by 80%, based on the LCA conducted by Carbotech, an external and independent consultancy, based in Switzerland1. The collaboration offers a solution to the market that can make significant contributions towards the transition to a circular economy by reducing the dependency on virgin resources, reducing GHG emissions, and minimizing the environmental impact.
#tide uses state-of-the-art blockchain technology to seamlessly and stringently track their material flows. Each step of the material’s journey is documented, from the moment a piece of ocean-bound plastic waste is picked up by one of the collectors, to the moment when the upcycled plastic granules are shipped to #tide’s customers. This data, including photos, dates, volumes, and info about the individual processing steps, is saved on a public blockchain for maximum transparency and security. This tracking can be extended downstream to include further production and fully integrated in the communication facing the end consumer at retail stage. Thus, providing unmatched supply chain transparency, or as we aim, a product passport.
Tide strives to minimize transportation through its strategy of serving markets with regionalized supply chains and ideally processing plastic close to the source. However, some transportation is unavoidable. To provide customers with a fully sustainable, socially responsible material, #tide has partnered with the Swiss non-profit organization myclimate, to offset these greenhouse gas emissions.
Sukano expanding its commitment to reduce environmental impact of plastics
The partnership between #tide and Sukano is in line with Sukano’s recently announced commitment to Fondation Jan and Oscar. The Foundation has been a close partner of #tide from the very beginning. They have jointly built the Social Enterprise Ranong Recycle for Environment (RRE), where they collect ocean-bound plastic waste in Ranong province for recycling. Through the social enterprise they provide jobs, education and new sources of income for vulnerable people and communities in southern Thailand.
