At Chinaplas 2024, Dow (NYSE: DOW) unveiled two fresh collaborations aimed at creating solutions that satisfy both performance and circular requirements.

Teaming up with Dow, Sealed Air has brought to market an e-commerce packaging solution featuring higher recycled content. Through this collaboration, both entities will collaborate to create additional e-commerce packaging options utilizing Dow's REVOLOOP™ post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins. This initiative provides an efficient means of product protection while simultaneously curbing carbon footprint by minimizing the reliance on virgin plastics.

Dow and Changchun FAWSN Automotive Technology Research and Development Co., Ltd. have unveiled a fresh partnership to delve into the utilization of polyolefin elastomer (POE) artificial leather and POE-based 3D Loop solutions within the automotive sector. Notably, POE artificial leather boasts a weight reduction of 25% to 40% compared to PVC leather and provides performance advantages without resorting to hazardous materials.

The declarations were disclosed during Dow's customer event coinciding with Chinaplas 2024, the premier plastics industry exhibition in the region held in Shanghai from April 23rd to 26th. At this occasion, Dow showcased its range of innovative materials science solutions tailored for the Asia Pacific region, emphasizing circularity and carbon footprint reduction.

Aligned with Dow's sustainability pledges to Protect the Climate, Transform the Waste, and Close the Loop, the exhibit highlighted solutions that excel in performance and are crafted for circularity.

"As numerous local and regional brands expand globally, Asia has emerged as a vibrant growth center," stated Bambang Candra, Commercial Vice President for Asia Pacific at Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics. "Our dedication to innovation enables us to address the changing demands of customers who are increasingly seeking sustainable and circular products. Recognizing that no single entity can revolutionize the industry in isolation, we persistently foster collaboration with partners across the value chain. By prioritizing recyclability from the outset of a product's life cycle, we aim to convert plastic waste into a valuable resource for reuse."

Other highlighted Dow solutions encompass:

Circular Design for Flexible Packaging: Mono-material stand-up pouches made entirely of PE (polyethylene) are engineered for recyclability, facilitating their integration into closed-loop recycling systems. Furthermore, vacuum metallized all-PE packaging solutions offer both recyclability and high barrier performance, striking a balance between sustainability and functionality.

REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins: Various grades of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins, available in China and throughout Asia, expand Dow's array of mechanically recycled products suitable for applications like personal care packaging, artificial turf, and consumer product packaging.

Bio-based and Circular Feedstock Solutions: LVMH Beauty pioneers the adoption of SURLYN™ REN and SURLYN™ CIR, novel sustainable ionomers grades utilizing renewable and circular feedstocks in cosmetics packaging. Additionally, Dow furnishes Crocs footwear with bio-based polyolefin elastomers (POEs), crafted with renewable energy and plant-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, facilitating a reduction in carbon footprint for the footwear industry without compromising performance.

Polyolefin Elastomer (POE)-Based Automotive Leather: Catering to the automotive industry's transition toward animal-free products, Dow offers POE-based leather, boasting ultra-soft tactility, enhanced color stability, robust aging properties, low-temperature resistance, elimination of hazardous materials, and a weight reduction of 25% to 40% compared to PVC leather.

In efforts to bolster industry collaboration, Dow experts actively participated in various events at Chinaplas, including Tech Talks, Circular Economy Conference, World Trends & Plastics & Rubber Technology Summit, and the Applications in Focus forum. They shared insights on fostering circularity in flexible packaging and introducing low-carbon solutions for automotive and photovoltaic applications.

Aligned with Dow's Transform the Waste sustainability objective, the company targets the commercialization of 3 million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions annually by 2030 by transforming plastic waste and alternative feedstock. Furthermore, Dow aims to ensure that 100% of its packaging applications are reusable or recyclable by 2035.

Dow and Procter & Gamble will collaborate on the development of an innovative recycling technology specifically designed to address challenging-to-recycle plastic waste. This technology is intended to produce high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil-based polyethylene.

Furthermore, Dow's substantial global investment in constructing the world's inaugural net-zero ethylene and derivatives facility in Alberta, Canada, anticipates decarbonizing 20% of Dow's ethylene capacity worldwide. This endeavor positions Dow as the inaugural supplier in the industry to offer zero-emission products and solutions.