PTTGC expands recycling operations focusing on opaque plastic containers

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand’s foremost petrochemical producer by capacity, PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), is broadening its recycling operations with a focus on opaque plastic containers, primarily bottles. This endeavour is part of the company’s newly introduced campaign aimed at fostering eco-friendly habits among the youth.

 

The campaign constitutes the company’s second environmental initiative following its venture into recycling waste polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles. PTTGC aims to expand its recycling scope to include high-density polyethene (HDPE) and resin, as stated by Kongkrapan Intarajang, the Chief Executive and President of PTTGC, reported Bangkok Post.

 

HDPE is used in the manufacture of opaque plastic materials such as milk and detergent containers. Many individuals remain unaware that discarded containers of this sort can be recycled like PET bottles. As a result, a significant number of these containers end up in landfill sites.

 

Currently, waste HDPE containers command a price of 40 baht per kilogramme. Intarajang highlighted that PTTGC plans to enhance the recycling capacity of both PET bottles and waste HDPE containers to 20,000 tonnes per annum this year, a significant increase from the current 10,000 tonnes.

 

PTTGC’s recycling facility, situated in Map Ta Phut in the eastern province of Rayong, began operations in 2022. Designed for a maximum capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum, this facility is managed by Envicco Co, a PTTGC subsidiary.

 

The company’s Generation S campaign aims to increase the volume of waste plastic containers available for recycling. The initiative targets the youth, particularly those born in the Internet age approximately two decades ago, and aims to educate them about the benefits of recycling used plastic containers.

 

Consumer product manufacturers are also identified as potential targets. Intarajang emphasised that this environmental campaign must be implemented alongside improved waste management strategies.

 

Thailand produces 1.9 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which only a quarter is recycled. The remaining waste is sent to landfill sites and incinerators, with a portion ending up in the ocean.

 

Despite authorities’ campaigns urging department stores to cease the provision of free single-use plastic bags to customers, these bags are still commonly used by small vendors.

 

PTTGC anticipates a 7% growth in its petrochemical business sales this year, a decrease from its initial target of 15%. The downward revision is attributed to the temporary closure of some production facilities for maintenance purposes.

 

Check out our easy tips for sustainable life in Thailand.

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Photo courtesy of iStock

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-20

 

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[flyingtlger]

Is plastic recycling a hoax?

 

https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

HDPE is used in the manufacture of opaque plastic materials such as milk and detergent containers. Many individuals remain unaware that discarded containers of this sort can be recycled like PET bottles. As a result, a significant number of these containers end up in landfill sites.

Where i live in my Moo Baan there are about 40 waste wheelie bins provided for waste disposal.

Everything goes into them [and I mean everything] without any sorting or separation of items.

Everyday the garbage truck comes, everything goes in the back and off it goes to the land-fill.... 

No recycling at all.

 

[fallup88]

3 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Is plastic recycling a hoax?

 

https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled

plastic recycling is not a hoax. I am in the industry and have used recycled plastic for a few years due to demand of European customers and changes in European laws.

 

The article states recycle plastic cost 40 baht / kilo. It actually costs less than 20 baht / kilo. 
 

Article you posted points out problems which are due to no facilities being set up in the past. Nowadays tech and facilities are there to make recycling plastic a reality that is not expensive and tedious. 
 

In countries like Taiwan, Japan, and Korea a large percentage of trash are recycled because it’s sorted very well and there are strict laws regarding to trash disposal. So it all comes down to regulation and habit.

[The Old Bull]

The lads on the garbage truck go through all the garbage and pick out anything they can sell for a few batts. They have a pile of sacks hanging on the truck they store the recyclables in. I think it's their beer and lao khao fund.

[Srikcir]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand produces 1.9 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which only a quarter is recycled.

Obviously not enough but compared to the US:

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2023/09/05/unrecyclable-plastic-pollution

• “When it comes to plastics, recycling has been an abysmal failure, and only 5% to 6% of plastics actually gets recycled in the United States,
• Plastics are nearly impossible to recycle because of the many different types that cannot be recycled together. Thousands of different chemical additives make plastics soft, fire resistant or give them other properties"

Wealth of a nation isn't a factor in successful plastic recycling. But knowledge, public awareness and workable multi-recycling systems are. Well within Thailand's ability to achieve where even the US cannot.