In a significant move towards sustainability in the food and drink packaging industry, SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has successfully launched the first circular packaging project in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of its TRUCIRCLE™ program aimed at promoting a circular plastic economy. FONTE, a prominent player in the bakery industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has taken the lead by introducing bread bags made with SABIC’s certified circular polyethylene (PE) in their Oat Arabic Bread.
The innovative bread bags by FONTE incorporate 100% mass balanced certified content of recycled feedstock from mixed post-consumer used plastics. These materials are converted into pyrolysis oil through an advanced recycling process. SABIC then utilizes this oil to produce new polymers with the same purity and quality as traditional virgin plastics at their plant in Jubail, KSA.
Sanjay Mishra, head of the ETP and Performance Polymers business at SABIC, expresses the importance of transitioning to a circular economy through the TRUCIRCLE program. He emphasizes the collaboration between industry players to maximize post-consumer plastic recycling and sustainability. The joint project with FONTE and Napco National marks a significant step towards a more sustainable food packaging trend in Saudi Arabia.
SABIC’s circular materials adhere to mass balance accounting standards set by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS program. This ensures transparency and accountability in tracking material flow from feedstock to the final application.
Mohammed Binmahfoodh, CEO of Masdar Alhayat for Food Industries (FONTE), underscores their commitment to addressing the plastic challenge in food production. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among value chain players to drive positive change. FONTE aims to extend the success of their partnership with SABIC and Napco as a model for other packaging applications in Saudi-made food products.
Chadi Radi, Senior Director at Napco National, highlights their dedication to advancing sustainable packaging in the plastic industry. Through innovative solutions, Napco National aims to reduce environmental impact, promote circularity, and maximize the value of the plastic life cycle. The collaboration with SABIC in implementing circular plastic film in the food sector demonstrates their commitment to sustainability.
SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE portfolio and services, which include certified circular polymers, design for recyclability, and closed-loop initiatives, contribute to a more sustainable packaging ecosystem. These initiatives help prevent valuable used plastics from becoming waste and promote a circular economy in the industry.
For more information, visit www.napconational.com and www.masdar.sa. Visit www.sabic.com to learn more about SABIC’s sustainable initiatives.
