#Recycling / Circular Economy

2021-06-24

SABIC-BASF Forum highlights joint efforts to transition toward a circular economy for plastics

Senior experts from SABIC and BASF, two of the world’s leading chemical companies, discussed how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can transition toward a circular economy for plastics during the first SABIC-BASF Circular Economy Forum held recently.

This invitation-only event virtually took place from SABIC’s Home of Innovation in Riyadh, which BASF recently joined as a partner.

Both companies have been working on complementary solutions to help address the challenges around end-of-life plastics, including advanced recycling which turns mixed waste plastic into virgin polymers.

The Forum provided the parties with an opportunity to exchange learning and jointly agree on driving circular economy solutions that close the loop and would see post-consumer plastic waste collected, recycled and used to make new products.

Key topics of discussion included ways to increase the recycling rates to increase the supply of recycled plastic and further drive the demand for recycling facilities.

During the Forum, SABIC experts highlighted the company’s innovative TRUCIRCLE™ solutions, which encompass its circular products and services including certified circular polymers from the advanced recycling of used and mixed plastic, certified bio-based renewable polymers, certified renewable polycarbonate (PC), and mechanically recycled polymers.

SABIC and Plastic Energy are constructing the first commercial unit in Geleen, The Netherlands, to produce SABIC’s flagship certified circular polymers, part of the TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, which are made from the upcycling of mixed and used plastic.

“TRUCIRCLE™ has been introduced as a way to collectively showcase our circular innovations and help manufacturers reduce plastic waste through the adoption of a range of sustainable material solutions. It forms part of our circular economy business and is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production,” said Mark Vester, SABIC’ Global Leader Circular Economy.

BASF experts highlighted BASF’s ChemCycling™ project, a key pillar of its circular economy strategy, which develops a pyrolysis technology that turns plastic waste into a secondary raw material called pyrolysis oil. BASF also highlighted how its plastic additives facilitate mechanical recycling of plastics.

“Forging a path to a circular economy requires collaboration,” said Dr. Udo Huenger, Vice President Middle East & Egypt, BASF. “There is an increasing pressure regarding recycling targets and recyclability on the one hand and a strong commitment of our customers towards increasing the share of recycled materials in their offerings on the other hand. Solving these challenges requires innovation and joint efforts from industry and value chain partners.”

He added: “This Forum allowed BASF and SABIC to explore ways in which we can cooperate and accelerate technology development that will divert plastics from going to landfills or end up in the environment.”

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary-General of the Gulf Petrochemical and Chemical Association (GPCA) talked about closing the gaps in the circular economy and reduced polymer-based pollution.

Dr. Abdullah AlSebaei, Chief Executive Officer at National Center for Waste Management, discussed the Kingdom’s waste management objectives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

A select number of SABIC and BASF value chain partners also attended the Forum.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

Countdown to Textiles Recycling Expo 2026: Brussels prepares for Europe’s textile recycling gathering

With only two weeks remaining until the start of the second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo 2026, preparations are entering the final phase. The exhibition and conference, dedicated exclusively to textile recycling and circularity, will take place on 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo and is expected to attract stakeholders from across the textile recycling value chain.

Indorama Ventures enables brands to scale circular textiles through proven, traceable supply chains

Indorama Ventures, a global leader in recycled polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, will exhibit at Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels on June 24–25. At the event, the company will show how brands and textile manufacturers can build traceable, circular textile supply chains by working with proven partners who deliver recycled materials on an industrial scale.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.