Resin distributor MGI International has launched Aspect Co., a distribution unit focused exclusively on sustainable resins.
Aspect's product line includes bio-based, bio-attributed, compostable and recycled resins. The unit provides sourcing, warehousing, logistic, and technical support, officials said, enabling customers to integrate sustainable materials into their supply chains.
In an Oct. 13 phone interview, MGI CEO Marco Liuzzo said that "at the end of the day, we take sustainability seriously."
"The future is definitely going to be sustainable," he added.
The launch of Aspect "is consumer-driven — we want to be ahead of the curve."
Chet Errico, Aspect business development director, said the main focus of the new unit will be "understanding what our customers' sustainability goals are."
"By knowing what their goals are, we can help them find the right material, whether it's bio-based or recycled content," added Errico, who previously worked for the sustainable polyethylene business of Braskem Americas. He also said that Aspect is "continuously looking to grow our line card" by adding new suppliers.
MGI Chief Financial Officer Craig Wellen said that he's "a huge believer in this space and growth opportunity."
"There are a lot of places it can go and a lot of great companies out there that we can partner with," Wellen added.
Aspect recently achieved International & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus accreditation, an internationally recognized system that provides traceability across the supply chain for recycled and bio-based plastics. Officials said the accreditation allows Aspect to distribute mass balance products such as bio-based and chemically recycled resins. It also allows accurate sustainability claims from producer through end consumer.
New York-based Aspect currently offers materials from six suppliers, including AvanSix Inc. and Danimer Scientific. The unit is owned by MGI, a holding company that also owns resin distributors Marco Polo International and Global Plastics. MGI was formed in 2019, with global trading firm Itochu International Inc. of Tokyo as a partner and minority owner.
MGI has sales in more than 80 countries, with a focus on commodity resins including polyethylene and polypropylene and engineering resins such as polycarbonate and ABS. The firm's total annual sales volume is more than 1 billion pounds, with more than half of sales in North America.