In a further push to develop new sustainable plastics solutions for its Trucircle portfolio, Sabic has announced a new collaboration with Malaysia-based plastic recycling company HHI to create the first certified circular polymers produced through the advanced recycling of recovered mixed and used ocean-bound plastic. Based on plastic waste that is recovered from ocean- feeding waterways and inland areas within a 50 kilometer radius of the ocean by HHI partners predominantly in Malaysia, the new materials will be incorporated into products by Sabic’s customers over the coming months.
To produce the polymers, the recovered waste plastic is sent to HHI, where it is converted into pyrolysis oil through an advanced recycling process. The pyrolysis oil is then used by Sabic as feedstock for the production of new, circular certified polymers, (partly) replacing traditional fossil materials.
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 has created a five-stage model to facilitate the transition to a circular economy that consists of collecting ocean-bound plastic through its network; converting the waste into usable materials; collaborating with partners to create new products; providing customers with a sustainable materials platform; and catalysing a generation of consumers who will opt to use these sustainable materials.
The company uses the model as a guide ‘in all of our endeavours, from business planning and collaborations with partners such as Sabic, to eco-initiatives’, said Kian Seah, CEO at HHI. “We believe that we have the ability to work towards a cleaner future that views plastic as a valuable resource to keep within the value chain.”
The new circular polymers produced from ocean-bound plastic are the latest additions to fSabic’s Trucircle portfolio. Launched in 2019, Sabic’s Trucircle portfolio spans mechanically recycled products, certified circular products from advanced recycling of used plastic and certified renewables products from bio-based feedstock, as well as design for recyclability and closed loop recycling initiatives.