The Philippine plastics industry presents vast opportunities to suppliers of innovative production technologies
For the Philippine plastics industry, the COVID-19 pandemic presented opportunities due to the heightened demand for food & beverage packaging as well as medical supplies. While the country’s downstream plastics industry is composed largely of plastic fabricators and manufacturers that convert plastic resins to industrial and consumer finished products, it also provides strong linkages to such industry as home appliances, electronics/electrical, building and construction, drugs and cosmetics, etc. Finished products from the plastics industry consist of flexible plastics, sacks, twines and cables, pipes & fittings, PVC products, rigid packaging, tapes, and many others. Dominated by small to medium-scale enterprises, there are some large companies that are increasingly utilizing advanced production technologies and materials from suppliers in Asia and Europe
With much optimism in plastics production comes an increased demand for injection molding equipment such as those that can process virgin resins and post-recycled consumer plastics. Injection molding process is highly preferred in the production of pallets, bottles, caps, automotive parts, construction and medical supplies. Extruders as well as extrusion equipment that offer flexibility, high productivity and energy-savings are utilized by Philippine plastics manufacturers. On the other hand, engineering plastics with excellent mechanical properties and biodegradable plastics are sought by those engaged in the production of smart packaging and environmentally-friendly consumer products.
Well-known brands are accepting the fact that the only way to go is through the circular economy concept. In the Philippines, several initiatives are being implemented that create demand for innovative machines and production processes. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, has partnered with Nestlé Philippines, Inc. to help local government units (LGUs) understand link between climate change and solid waste management. In this collaboration, Nestlé Philippines provides tips on improving local solid waste management as it implements its Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Education Program. Nestlé Philippines earlier committed to increase its use of recycled materials in its packaging. The integration of upcycled items to reduce dependence on virgin materials is one of the important steps to achieve its circularity targets, and many machinery producers are responding to this trend.
Procter & Gamble Philippines, which has a goal to make its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030, provides incentives to individuals or groups dropping off their discarded plastic in designated recycling or upcycling centres. It has partnered with a leading shopping mall to be part of their Plastic Waste Collection (PWC) Program which is run together with the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX).
At CHINAPLAS 2022, the latest recycling technologies and waste management systems are set to be demonstrated by leading companies whose goal is to help companies in Southeast Asia, like the Philippines, meet the trends for environmentally-friendly products with less detrimental impact on the environment. For more information, visit: www.chinaplasonline.com