Dow and Thong Guan launches bio-based PE stretch cling films in Asia
10 August 2020 –Dow and Thong Guan, one of the world’s leading plastic stretch cling film producers, have introduced a new range of bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) in Asia Pacific. This marks a milestone in the region’s commercialization of a plastics offering made from renewable feedstock, enabling industry providers to produce high-performance plastics while reducing carbon footprint.
Resin derived from renewable feedstock
In a joint effort, Thong Guan will be using Dow’s bio-based resin derived from renewable feedstock. The feedstock comes from tall oil, a residue of paper production, from sustainably managed forests.
Unlike other alternative renewable feedstocks, it does not compete with the human food chain, and no extra land is required for its production. Dow uses a mass balance approach, which encourages the use of renewable feedstock, by supporting sustainable systems for producing plastic. This approach enables the industry to transition away from its dependency on fossil fuels as a feedstock.
Dubbed Nano Bio, Thong Guan’s new range of stretch cling films, will be made using Dow’s linear low-density polyethylene, ELITE™ 5230GC R Enhanced Polyethylene Resins. Without compromising on quality, the new bio-based stretch cling films will support brand owners in addressing Asia Pacific’s increasing demand for renewable plastics.
“To achieve our new sustainability targets, Dow is committed to implementing and advancing technologies to manufacture products using fewer resources, thereby helping our customers to reduce their carbon footprint. Introducing Dow’s first bio-based polyethylene in Asia Pacific based on renewable feedstock is an important step in this direction,” said Bambang Candra, Asia Pacific commercial vice president of Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics.
The Nano Bio range of stretch cling film is produced by state-of-the-art nanotechnology, downgauged with increased strength, flexibility, and durability, said the company.
“This is a landmark moment for Dow. Introducing bio-based resins for the first time in Asia Pacific, our fastest growing market, is key in advancing a circular economy. We are proud to embark on this journey with our long-term partner, Thong Guan, and further both our sustainability offerings in order to meet our environmental goals,” Eunice Ch’ng, senior marketing manager, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, Asia Pacific.
Thong Guan Industries Managing Director, Dato’ Ang Poon Chuan, said:”We are committed to preserving the environment and resources for the future world. The continuous collaboration with Dow illustrates our dedication to offering renewable products and promoting sustainability,” He added: “With Dow’s bio-based resins, our Nano Bio reduces the use of plastics while maintaining the same high-performance, thus meeting our customers’ business and sustainability needs.
David Ang, Sales and Marketing General Manager, Thong Guan Industries concluded, “Sustainability is not just a buzz word. At Thong Guan, our commitment is not solely on our products, but also in our processes and daily consumptions. It is our unequivocal commitment to protect our home, reduce carbon footprint, and innovate our way towards an ecological balance for our future generations.”
Dow’s packaging and specialty plastics (P&SP) business unit offer advanced technologies for end-use markets in food packaging, personal hygiene, infrastructure, consumer goods, and transportation. The P&SP unit is a major producer of polyethylene resins, functional polymers, and adhesives.
