Indorama Ventures has announced a collaboration with Suntory, ENEOS Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Iwatani, and Neste to launch the world’s first commercially produced PET bottles made from bio-paraxylene. The innovative bottles, made from used cooking oil, mark a significant step in sustainable packaging, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in PET production.
Starting in November, Suntory will introduce these bio-PET bottles for select products in Japan, with around 45 million bottles set to be produced for beverages. The initiative underscores the potential of cross-industry collaboration to address global sustainability challenges.
“This exciting collaboration reflects the shared vision and responsibility of all partners involved to contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Yash Lohia, Executive President of Petchem Special Projects at Indorama Ventures. “We are proud to work alongside industry leaders in this pioneering effort, which brings new possibilities to the packaging industry.”
The process begins with Neste producing bio-naphtha from used cooking oil in an ISCC+ certified plant. Mitsui Chemicals then converts it into bio-paraxylene, which ENEOS further refines to produce bio-paraxylene for use in PET resin. Indorama Ventures reacts bio-paraxylene with monoethylene glycol to create the PET resin, which is then molded into bottles by Suntory.
Each company involved plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the project, with Mitsubishi Corporation managing the entire supply chain and Iwatani overseeing the operation from production to delivery. The mass balance approach used throughout the process ensures the bio-based materials are integrated transparently and effectively into the final product.
Indorama Ventures, a global leader in PET production and recycling, has emphasized its commitment to advancing a circular economy and providing environmentally responsible solutions in line with its long-term sustainability strategy.