SABIC & CJ Cheiljedang Develop 25% Renewable PP Rice Packaging in South Korea

SABIC has introduced a groundbreaking initiative by incorporating a food-contact grade from its TRUCIRCLE™ assortment of certified renewable polypropylene (PP) resins into the production of Hetbahn instant white rice packaging bowls by CJ CheilJedang, a prominent global food company headquartered in South Korea. This represents a pioneering application of certified renewable PP in the creation of ready-to-eat rice packaging, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices in the packaging industry.

Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Vice President of SABIC’s Polypropylene Business, underscores the increasing global demand for materials that facilitate carbon footprint reduction without compromising essential aspects of packaging, such as performance, convenience, and food safety. He expresses pride in highlighting SABIC's proficiency in sustainable PP resins specifically designed for rigid food containers. The certified renewable grade from the TRUCIRCLE portfolio, integrated into CJ's Hetbahn rice bowls, not only meets stringent food-contact regulations but also maintains the ease of processing and high-quality performance associated with competitive all-virgin polymers.

The manufacturing process of these innovative rice bowls involves sheet extrusion followed by thermoforming. SABIC's TRUCIRCLE PP polymer utilized in this context boasts a certified renewable content of 25%, providing crucial attributes such as dimensional stability and heat resistance—essential qualities when microwaving rice directly in the bowl. Significantly, the used bowls can be seamlessly reintroduced into the rigid PP recycling stream, facilitating the recovery of material value and contributing to the establishment of a more circular packaging industry.

SABIC's commitment to sustainability extends to the sourcing of raw materials, as their renewable polymers are derived from bio-based, second-generation sources that do not compete with food or feed production. Adhering to the mass balance accounting recommendations of the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS program, these polymers are produced following transparent rules for tracking material flow across intricate supply chains—from feedstock to final applications.

The certified renewable compounds integrated into CJ's Hetbahn rice bowls form a pivotal component of SABIC's comprehensive TRUCIRCLE portfolio and services. This overarching approach encompasses various facets, including design for recyclability, the utilization of mechanically recycled products, incorporation of certified circular polymers, and the implementation of closed-loop initiatives. These initiatives are designed to repurpose plastic back into high-quality applications, thus preventing valuable used plastics from contributing to the ever-growing waste problem. SABIC's holistic strategy aligns with the broader objectives of fostering sustainability and circular practices within the packaging industry.

As SABIC and CJ CheilJedang collaborate on this groundbreaking venture, the integration of certified renewable PP into rice packaging not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also sets a precedent for future endeavors in sustainable packaging solutions. By combining innovative materials with advanced manufacturing processes, this initiative demonstrates that ecological responsibility can seamlessly coexist with product performance and consumer convenience. As the global community continues to prioritize sustainable practices, initiatives like these serve as beacons of progress in creating a more environmentally conscious and circular economy.