Housewares maker Tupperware Brands Corp. will use Saudi Basic Industries Corp's "certified circular polymers" to make two products this summer that help reduce the use of single-use plastic products — including in a portable reusable straw and a to-go coffee cup.
To make the polymers, Sabic uses Tacoil feedstock, an oil produced through the chemical recycling of low quality, mixed plastic waste. Tacoil production technology is supplied by London-based Plastic Energy Ltd. to Sabic's production site in Geleen, the Netherlands.
Plastic Energy has developed a technology called thermal anaerobic conversion (TAC) that converts the plastic waste into Tacoil for making new food-safe plastics.
"Tupperware Brands is committed to meeting the needs of today's consumers, who are increasingly asking for solutions that mitigate waste and advance a more circular economy," said Bill Wright, executive vice president of product innovation and supply chain for Orlando, Fla.-based Tupperware. "The introduction of this new material, and the products in which they will be used, reflect our continued dedication to further reduce our environmental footprint at all levels of the product lifecycle — from design, production and distribution to products' use and reusability — and also reflects our heritage of innovation and sustainable design."
Sabic launched the certified circular polymers in January. Other companies using the material include consumer products major Unilever plc, wine closure and synthetic cork maker Vinventions and Walke Group, which makes technical laminates and protective packaging materials.
