Neste Oyj Collaborates with Suntory, ENEOS, and Mitsubishi Corporation to Facilitate Production of Bio-Based PET Bottles

Neste, a pioneering entity in the realm of sustainable solutions, has embarked on a collaborative journey alongside Suntory, ENEOS, and Mitsubishi Corporation, collectively endeavoring to facilitate the large-scale production of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) resin crafted from Neste's innovative and renewable resource, Neste RE™. This strategic alliance marks a pivotal stride towards fostering a greener and more eco-conscious industrial landscape.

Central to this endeavor is Neste RE™, a proprietary feedstock developed by Neste, which fuels the production of polymers. Distinguished by its composition sourced entirely from bio-based materials such as discarded cooking oil and various residues, Neste RE™ is positioned to supplant traditional fossil-derived feedstocks within the production cycle. The resolute objective is to substantially curtail the industry's reliance on non-renewable resources and diminish the carbon footprint ingrained in the value chain.

One of the key partners in this forward-looking collaboration is Suntory, a prominent Japanese beverage enterprise that is poised to integrate the renewable PET resin into its manufacturing processes. The upcoming year, 2024, is earmarked for the implementation of this sustainable alteration, where the PET bottles for Suntory's product lineup will be derived from renewable sources. This progressive stride underscores Suntory's commitment to eco-conscious practices and augments the momentum of sustainable alternatives within the industry.

In the intricate web of this initiative, a fresh entrant to Neste's network emerges – ENEOS, a Japanese entity specializing in refining and energy solutions. ENEOS is slated to harness the potential of bio-intermediates constructed on the foundation of Neste RE™. The outcome of this endeavor will materialize in the form of bio-PX (Bio-Paraxylene), an essential precursor. The narrative continues as the baton is passed to ENEOS's Mizushima Refinery, nestled in the heart of Okayama, Japan. It is here that the bio-PX will undergo a transformation, evolving into PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid), an elemental building block in the creation of PET resin. This PET resin will subsequently find purpose in Suntory's PET bottle production, effectively culminating the journey of renewal.

Guiding the orchestration of this multi-dimensional collaboration is Mitsubishi Corporation, assuming the role of coordinator among the various stakeholders in the value chain. This conglomerate's involvement adds a layer of synergy, ensuring seamless communication and concerted efforts throughout the intricate process.

Lilyana Budyanto, the Head of Sustainable Partnerships APAC at Neste Renewable Polymers and Chemicals business unit, illuminates the pivotal significance of this partnership. She underscores the urgency to address the impending climate crisis and accentuates the role companies play in shouldering responsibility. By embracing collaborative efforts spanning the value chain, Neste endeavors to tangibly reduce the sector's dependency on finite fossil resources, while simultaneously ushering in a new era of products characterized by their diminished carbon footprint.

As a testament to their commitment to transparency and accountability, the collaborative venture will adopt a mass balancing approach. This strategy will meticulously allocate the bio-based materials, ensuring a traceable and accountable pathway from inception to the finalized PET bottles. Through this conscientious approach, the collaboration aims to reinforce the ethos of sustainability and accountability that permeates the entire endeavor.

In summation, the convergence of Neste, Suntory, ENEOS, and Mitsubishi Corporation in this innovative and holistic venture represents a formidable stride towards a more sustainable future. By harnessing renewable resources, fostering cross-industry partnerships, and embracing cutting-edge methodologies, this collective pursuit serves as an exemplar of sustainable transformation within the intricate tapestry of modern industry.