SABIC partners to create circular polymers from ocean-bound plastic

Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Malaysia-based Heng Hiap Industries Sdn Bhd (HHI) to create certified circular polymers produced through the advanced recycling of recovered mixed and used ocean-bound plastic.

SABIC reports that the certified circular polyolefins from ocean-bound plastic from the company’s Trucircle portfolio of solutions will be used by its customers in new products over the coming months. SABIC’s Trucircle portfolio features mechanically recycled products, certified circular products from advanced recycling of used plastic and certified renewables products from bio-based feedstock.

According to a news release from SABIC, the ocean-bound plastics for this partnership are being recovered from ocean-feeding waterways and inland areas within a 50-kilometer radius of the ocean by HHI partners predominantly in Malaysia. That material is sent to HHI for it to convert the used plastic into pyrolysis oil through advanced recycling methods. SABIC says it will use that pyrolysis oil in its production process to make certified circular polymers. The company states that this material has been certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans accreditation.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges we face globally to stop plastic from becoming waste. Developing an entirely circular recycling system is a huge but necessary step we need to take together and will require all players across the value chain to collaborate. That’s why we’re committed to developing long-term solutions and working with new partners like HHI to significantly upscale the production of more sustainable materials, including those produced using recycled ocean-bound materials, for the benefit of our customers, society and the environment,” says Abdullah Al-Otaibi, general manager of ETP & Market Solutions at SABIC.

HHI is focused on collecting ocean-bound plastic through its network, converting that material into high-quality materials, collaborating with partners to create new products, providing customers with a platform to champion their use of sustainable materials and encouraging consumers to use sustainable materials.

“At HHI, our circular economy model helps to guide us in all of our endeavors, from business planning and collaborations with partners such as SABIC to eco-initiatives, as we strive to protect our ocean and communities. 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,” says Kian Seah, CEO of HHI. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far with SABIC but also realize that we are early into our journey towards enabling a circular economy, and it is by no means a straightforward one. Our common spirit and passion has helped us overcome significant challenges to make this innovative process a reality and to ensure the reliability of technologies, quality of the end material and viability of the circular consumption model.”