• Thanks to a new collaboration with Malaysia-based plastic recycling company HHI, SABIC has produced  the world’s first certified circular polymers through the advanced recycling of recovered mixed and used ocean-bound plastic
  

• First consumer products made using SABIC’s certified circular polyolefins from ocean-bound plastic will be announced over the coming months
  

• Project demonstrates SABIC and HHI’s ongoing commitment to drive towards a circular economy for plastics and helps prevent plastics entering our oceans and waterways
  

As well as helping to protect our oceans and waterways, the ocean-bound plastic collection helps to create value for local communities by increasing demand for recycled plastic across the industry. The material is recovered from ocean-feeding waterways and inland areas within a 50 kilometer radius of the ocean by HHI partners predominantly in Malaysia. 

The recovered material is then sent to HHI, where they convert the used plastic into pyrolysis oil through an advanced recycling. The pyrolysis oil is then used by SABIC in their production process as an alternative to traditional fossil materials to make new certified circular polymers. The material has been certified under the Zero Plastic Oceans accreditation, and HHI is the first organisation to have received certification confirming the materials it recycles qualify as ocean-bound. 

HHI created its own model to outline the steps required to facilitate the transition to a circular economy. The model has five stages which are to collect ocean-bound plastic through its extensive network; convert them into high-quality, manufacturable materials; collaborate with partners to create new products; provide customers with the platform to champion their use of more sustainable materials; and catalyse a generation of conscientious consumers who will opt for sustainable materials.

Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Manager, ETP & Market Solutions at SABIC, said: “We are acutely aware of the challenges we face globally to stop plastic from becoming waste. Developing an entirely circular recycling system is a huge but necessary step we need to take together and will require all players across the value chain to collaborate. That’s why we’re committed to developing long-term solutions and working with new partners like HHI to significantly upscale the production of more sustainable materials, including those produced using recycled ocean-bound materials, for the benefit of our customers, society and the environment.”