Overregulating the chemistry industry jeopardizes innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Learn more.

  • Read time: 3 minutes
  • Blog Post

SABIC Collaboration Recovers Ocean Bound Plastics to Make Flexible Packaging Materials

CONTACT US
Jenny Heumann Godes
CONTACT US

SABIC, a leading petrochemical manufacturer, has leveraged its ties with Polivouga, a manufacturer of flexible film products, to launch a new, innovative TRUCIRCLETM project designed to reuse post-consumer plastic waste recovered from areas up to 50 kilometers inland from waterways.

The collaboration between SABIC and Polivouga with the Nueva Pescanova Group, a Spanish brand owner specializing in the fishing, farming, processing, and marketing of fresh, chilled and frozen seafood products, has resulted in the development of the world’s first frozen food packaging solution using SABIC’s certified circular polyethylene from feedstock sourced from ocean bound plastic.

SABIC Caprichos

The plastic materials are converted using advanced recycling technologies to manufacture an alternative feedstock that SABIC uses to produce certified circular polymers – SABIC® LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) – which are then processed by Polivouga to make flexible packaging film. Then, Nueva Pescanova packages its frozen seafood in bags made from this film.

The solution uses two different certification systems:1) The ocean bound plastic feedstock is certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans program. 2) The certified circular material is certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS chain of custody, which means that the material flow is controlled and tracked from the ocean bound plastic to the final packaging following a set of predefined, transparent rules.

SABIC Scientex

SABIC’s certified circular polymers form part of the company’s TRUCIRCLETM portfolio and services for circular solutions. The offering also includes design for recyclability, mechanically recycled products, certified renewable polymers from bio-based feedstock and closed loop initiatives to recycle plastic back into high quality applications and help prevent valuable used plastics from becoming waste.

The success of this initial project was followed up by a new collaboration with manufacturer Scientex to develop material for the world’s first flexible premium brand noodles packaging made based on advanced recycled OBP, using SABIC® certified circular polypropylene (PP).

About the Author
American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.