Dow Advances Conversion of Plastic Waste Collected in Thailand into High-Quality PCR Resins for Packaging Applications

By creating new value from plastic waste and enabling resources to re-enter the production cycle, the initiative supports Thailand’s transition toward a more circular economy while expanding recycled materials options for manufacturers.

Demand for recycled-content packaging continues to grow as businesses seek practical ways to incorporate recycled materials while maintaining performance. At the same time, consumers place greater emphasis on making sustainable buying choices and reducing environmental impact. In parallel, several export markets are introducing requirements related to recycled content in packaging, while Thailand is also considering related policy measures. As a result, access to high-quality recycled materials is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to meet evolving customer, market, and regulatory expectations.

To help address this need, Dow takes post-consumer plastic waste collected in Thailand through a rigorous sorting and production process supported by the company’s global materials science expertise and manufacturing standards. Through advanced processing and quality control, used plastic is transformed into high-quality PCR resins designed for demanding industrial packaging applications, helping unlock greater value from materials that might otherwise be lost from the economy. 

Today, Dow offers two PCR resin grades produced in Thailand under the REVOLOOP™ brand for flexible packaging applications. These include a 100% recycled-content grade designed for stretch film applications and an 80% recycled-content grade developed for shrink film and general blown film applications. The latter incorporates Dow resin innovation to enhance mechanical properties, improve appearance, reduce defects, and maintain performance requirements for packaging applications. 

The introduction of PCR grades produced from plastic waste collected in Thailand further expands Dow's recycled materials portfolio in Asia Pacific. Complementing the company's existing PCR offerings across the region, these locally produced grades provide customers with greater flexibility to meet recycled-content targets and application requirements. Beyond Thailand, these grades will support demand across Asia Pacific, strengthening Dow's regional circularity network and broadening access to high-quality recycled-content solutions. 

“At Dow, we believe that making the most of available resources is fundamental to sustainable growth. That is why we continue to develop solutions that help bring used materials back into productive use and create new value from what was once considered waste,” said Ekkasit Lakkananithiphan, executive vice president of Dow JV Business, Dow Thailand. “By transforming post-consumer plastic waste collected in Thailand into high-quality PCR resins for packaging applications, we are helping create greater value from local resources while supporting the development of a more circular plastics ecosystem in Thailand and Asia Pacific,” he added.

Dow has previously collaborated with leading film manufacturers and well-known brands in Thailand to develop commercial packaging solutions containing recycled content. These applications have demonstrated that PCR resins can be used in packaging films while maintaining the strength, toughness, flexibility, and clarity required for applications that demand performance close to virgin materials.

For more information about REVOLOOP™ and Dow’s circular solutions for packaging, please visit Polyethylene | Products & Solutions | Dow Thailand or contact Dow Thailand via Facebook to explore packaging solutions tailored to your business needs.