Unilever Thailand, SCG Chemicals unveil food-grade recycled Knorr packaging in ASEAN

THAILAND – Unilever Thailand and SCG Chemicals (SCGC) have introduced food-grade recycled packaging for Knorr Professional, marking a pioneering step in the ASEAN market.

According to a recent announcement, this is the first time advanced recycling technology has been used to produce food-safe packaging in the region, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in the food industry.

The innovative packaging, developed under SCGC’s Green Polymer brand, transforms plastic waste into circular naphtha feedstock, which is then converted into Certified Circular Polyolefin Resins. 

These resins match the quality of virgin plastics and are certified under the ISCC Plus standard, ensuring safety for food contact by eliminating harmful residues. 

“SCGC prioritizes developing technology to meet specific needs across industries, particularly the food sector with its high safety standards,” said Chatri Eamsobhana, chief commercial officer at SCG Chemicals. 

He noted that SCGC’s process uses a catalyst to recycle at lower temperatures, reducing energy use and helping cut plastic waste by 30,000 kg annually.

Kulnipa Lertpimonchai, managing director at Unilever Food Solutions for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability.

She stated that Unilever aims to reduce plastic use through innovative design and eco-friendly alternatives, with this collaboration driving tangible progress. 

The new packaging is already in use for Knorr Professional products in Thailand and Vietnam, targeting the food service sector, including restaurants and hotels.

In a statement, Eamsobhana highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that SCGC is the first in Thailand’s petrochemical industry to achieve ISCC Plus certification across its entire supply chain. 

This ensures traceability and quality, making the packaging a viable solution for food safety and environmental goals. 

The initiative supports Unilever’s target to incorporate 25% recycled plastic in its packaging by 2025 and SCGC’s aim to recycle 500,000 tons of plastic annually by 2030.

A recent update from October 2024 reveals that SCGC has further expanded its sustainable packaging efforts, launching 100% recycled plastic packaging for skincare products in ASEAN, also under the Green Polymer brand. 

This development, in collaboration with brands like Unilever, demonstrates ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on virgin plastics while maintaining product quality. 

These advancements highlight a growing trend in the region toward circular economy solutions, addressing the rising demand for sustainable packaging without compromising safety or performance.

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