Sabic collaborates to create polymers based on ocean-bound plastic

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/EwaStudio

Saudi Arabia-based materials company Sabic and Malaysia-based plastic recycling company HHI have teamed up to create what they’re calling the first certified circular polymers produced through the advanced recycling of recovered mixed and used ocean-bound plastic.

The material is recovered from ocean-feeding waterways and inland areas within a 50-kilometer radius of the ocean by HHI partners predominantly in Malaysia.

The recovered material is then sent to HHI, where they convert the used plastic into pyrolysis oil through an advanced recycling process; the pyrolysis oil is then used by Sabic in their production process as an alternative to traditional fossil materials to make new certified circular polymers.

The material has been certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans accreditation (an anti-litter program created by non-governmental organization Zero Plastic Oceans and audited by independent third parties), and HHI is the first organization to have received certification confirming the materials it recycles qualify as ocean-bound.

HHI created its own model to outline the steps required to facilitate the transition to a circular economy. The model has five stages: to collect ocean-bound plastic through its extensive network; convert them into high-quality, manufacturable materials; collaborate with partners to create new products; provide customers with the platform to champion their use of more sustainable materials; and inspire new consumers to opt for more sustainable materials.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges we face globally to stop plastic from becoming waste,” said Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Sabic’s general manager, ETP & market solutions. “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.”

The circular polymers produced from ocean-bound plastic form part of Sabic’s Trucircle portfolio, which was launched in 2019 – the 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.

According to Sabic, the new certified circular polyolefins will be used by its customers to announce new products over the coming months.