Page 27 - Plastics News January 2026
P. 27
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
At the same time, mechanical recycling con- consumer plastic supplies. SCGC-backed initia-
tinues to serve as the foundation of circularity, tives such as Wake Up Waste and Nets Up illus-
while Advanced Recycling is being deployed trate this approach, combining digital platforms,
to address complex and contaminated waste logistics innovation, and community partner-
streams that conventional systems cannot pro- ships to reclaim plastic waste and reduce green-
cess. By converting these materials back into house gas emissions. Strategic collaborations,
high-grade feedstock, Advanced Recycling is including SCGC’s partnership with Mitr Phol, are
enabling a truly circular loop and opening signifi- also advancing closed-loop packaging systems
cant growth potential. Companies such as SCGC, aligned with net-zero and low-carbon objectives.
an early adopter of ISCC PLUS certification in
Thailand, are already demonstrating large-scale Ultimately, market demand is proving to be as
viability of these models. powerful as regulation. Automotive manufactur-
ers, particularly in the electric vehicle segment,
Technology is playing a decisive role in this tran- are demanding materials that meet stringent
sition. Artificial intelligence and machine learning performance, safety, and sustainability criteria.
are revolutionizing waste sorting, improving pol- In packaging, regulatory mandates such as the
ymer identification and recovery rates. Packag- EU’s recycled content requirements for PET
ing design is also undergoing simplification, with bottles are accelerating adoption of food-grade
a strong shift toward mono-material structures recycled plastics. A notable milestone in ASEAN
to enhance recyclability. SCGC’s development of was the launch of food-grade recycled packag-
specialized HDPE resin for BOPE film—claimed ing for Unilever’s Knorr Professional brand, de-
as a first in Asia—highlights this trend, enabling veloped in collaboration with SCGC.
fully recyclable flexible packaging without com-
promising performance. As 2026 approaches, industry consensus is
clear: the future belongs to companies that treat
Traceability and verification have become equal- regulation as an accelerant rather than an obsta-
ly critical. Blockchain-enabled systems are in- cle. First movers that integrate technology, sus-
creasingly being used to track recycled materi- tainability, and market demand are setting the
als across the value chain, creating transparent pace for the next era of plastics and recycling.
digital records that support certification and For businesses willing to embrace this transi-
consumer trust. SCGC’s recycled polymer port- tion, sustainability is no longer just about com-
folio, backed by ISCC PLUS, EuCertPlast, and pliance—it is becoming a defining competitive
RecyClass certifications, is frequently cited as a advantage.
benchmark for supply chain transparency and Source - https://www.scgchemicals.com/en
compliance with European standards.
Addressing feedstock availability remains anoth-
er industry priority. New collection and recovery
models are emerging to secure consistent post-
January 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 27
