On August 6, Thai recycling firm, Envicco, unveiled a breakthrough initiative by launching 100% food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) bottles within Thailand's thriving food and beverage sector.

Envicco, a pioneering joint venture between prominent Thai petrochemical producer PTT Global Chemical and Austrian plastics manufacturer Alpla, proudly presents its rPET innovation. Renowned beverage giants Pepsi and Mineré have embraced this innovation, leveraging Envicco's rPET to manufacture 100% rPET bottles, aligning with commercial objectives.

The innovative approach hinges on utilizing post-consumer plastic as the feedstock for the mechanical recycling processes undertaken at the advanced Rayong facility. Notably, this facility exclusively sources its feedstock domestically, ensuring an entirely local and sustainable supply chain. Natthatun Sirirak, Envicco's Managing Director, reaffirmed this commitment to domestic sourcing.

Envicco's endeavor aligns seamlessly with the regulatory landscape, as they secured authorization from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year in March. This approval has paved the way for the deployment of post-consumer recycled material in packaging intended for food contact. Importantly, Thailand stands as one of the select Southeast Asian nations permitting the usage of rPET material for food contact applications. In contrast, the concept of "food-grade" rPET is more extensively recognized in regions such as Europe and North America. Regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority and the US FDA substantiate this concept with a well-defined framework.

The cornerstone of this venture is Envicco's state-of-the-art recycling facility situated in the Rayong province, a pioneering establishment inaugurated in September 2022. This facility boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 30,000 tons of rPET, complemented by an additional 15,000 tons of recycled high-density polyethylene. As global conversations about environmental responsibility continue to gain traction, Envicco's innovative strides represent a meaningful contribution towards sustainability within Thailand's vibrant food and beverage industry.

The collaboration between industry leaders PTT Global Chemical, Alpla, and pioneering brands such as Pepsi and Mineré showcases the power of innovation in driving positive change. With a focus on both environmental stewardship and market viability, this initiative exemplifies the potential to reshape industry norms while bolstering the country's sustainable development trajectory.

About rPET: Polyethylene terephthalate or PET is a plastic resin and polyester variant, which is recyclable, transforming into rPET. This polymer results from combining pure terephthalic acid and altered ethylene glycol monomers. Discovered in 1941 and patented in the UK, it is a versatile material with sustainable potential. rPET is produced through the recycling of previously employed plastic packaging.