Four million plastic bags made with 50% recycled material will be used to package polymer resin, thanks to a new 'closed-loop' collaboration launched today between global petrochemical company SABIC, converter Fardem Packaging (subsidiary of Oerlemans Packaging) and recycling company Morssinkhof Rymoplast. This is one of the first such examples in the industry involving all parties in the value chain actively taking joint responsibility for a major sustainability initiative."Following our recent launch of certified renewable polyolefins, this is another example of SABIC's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. We strive to continuously create more sustainable business processes that create value into the future for society and the environment, based on the effective use of the resources available to us today", said Steven de Boer, Director Innovation and Sustainability, Polymers. "In this particular project, downcycling is avoided, and a higher quality use of a waste stream is generated, with a 2nd life given in the same application", added de Boer.
During the process, SABIC captures the recyclate from their packaging material and converts it into new plastic bags containing 50% recyclate. Bags are subsequently produced, together with Fardem and Morssinkhof, that do not compromise on quality. These bags are then used to package selected SABIC resins.
Recycling company Morssinkhof Rymoplast collects the used plastic bags from a logistics service provider contracted by SABIC, and recycles them back into recycled plastic pellets. Rolf Morssinkhof of plastic recyclers Morssinkhof Rymoplast said, "We are very happy to be part of SABIC's 'bag to bag' program, which is ultimate proof that by collection of well sorted monostreams of plastic scraps, production of recycled raw materials for re-usage in the original application is possible. SABIC is setting the right example and challenging the plastics industry to take similar pragmatic actions. Morssinkhof Rymoplast, as one of the leading plastic recycling companies in Europe, is very prepared to support the industry in closing their loops with high quality recycled raw materials in PE, PP, PS and PET."
Fardem Packaging is then responsible for adding 50% virgin material to 50% of the recycled material, to make SABIC's new plastic bags that weigh 100 grams and can carry 25kg of plastic product. "To make the circular economy a success, co-operation between all parties in the chain is required. Fardem Packaging is ready to take their role and responsibility in this process", said Joan Hanegraaf, CEO Oerlemans Packaging (holding company of Fardem Packaging).
The short-term outcome of the 'bag to bag' project - up to 100 thousand tons of plastic per year could be transported from SABIC to its customers in recycled bags.
