Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemicals company, is showcasing the potential of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling at Sustainability Expo 2026 (SX2026), being held from 6–15 November at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Alongside its exhibition, the company organised a media briefing to discuss how evolving regulations are transforming packaging and recycling practices, as well as the opportunities these changes create for Thai businesses.
Showcasing PET Recycling and Sustainable Innovations
At its booth in Hall 2, Better Living Zone, G Floor, Indorama Ventures presents an interactive exhibit demonstrating how used PET bottles can be transformed into recycled raw materials. The display highlights the recycling process and the importance of keeping valuable materials in circulation.
Additionally, the RECO Collective exhibition features fashion collections from Thai brands CHANA, KH EDITIONS and APPEAL Summerwear. These collections demonstrate how recycled PET, textile expertise and creative design can combine to create distinctive and sustainable clothing.
The booth also showcases Indorama Ventures’ global recycling operations, technological innovations and industry partnerships. As the world’s largest recycler of PET beverage bottles, the company highlights its role in advancing recycling solutions and supporting the transition towards a circular economy.
Evolving Regulations Drive Circular Packaging Requirements
Dr. Anthony M. Watanabe, Chief Sustainability Officer of Indorama Ventures, explained that circular packaging regulations worldwide are increasingly shifting from voluntary commitments towards mandatory requirements. Key policy developments include collection targets, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), deposit return systems, recycled-content requirements and Design for Recycling guidelines.
For instance, the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, adopted in 2019, requires PET beverage bottles to contain at least 25% recycled plastic from 2025. Furthermore, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which began applying in August 2026, introduces broader requirements for packaging recyclability and recycled content from 2030.
Meanwhile, Thailand is developing its Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act, which proposes an EPR-based framework for packaging waste management. The country is also working on PET Design for Recycling guidelines to improve packaging compatibility with recycling processes.
Thai Businesses Need to Prepare for Policy Changes
According to Dr. Watanabe, these regulatory developments make early preparation increasingly important for Thai businesses, particularly companies exporting products to international markets. Businesses need to understand the packaging requirements of their destination markets, review existing packaging designs and collaborate with suppliers to ensure the quality and traceability of recycled materials.
He emphasised that Thailand can build on its established recycling expertise and collection networks by strengthening cooperation among governments, producers, collectors, recyclers and consumers. “Thailand has an opportunity to build on its existing recycling expertise and collection networks. By bringing governments, producers, collectors, recyclers and consumers together, we can keep more valuable materials in use and build a stronger foundation for investment,” said Dr. Watanabe.
Expanding Global PET Recycling Capabilities
Indorama Ventures operates 20 recycling sites across multiple markets and has recycled more than 180 billion post-consumer PET bottles since 2011. Through these operations, the company continues to convert used PET materials into valuable resources for new applications. As demand for sustainable and circular products increases, Indorama Ventures is strengthening its efforts to connect recycled materials with new market opportunities. The company also emphasises the importance of clear, practical and consistent policy frameworks to improve collection systems, encourage investment and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
Supporting Recycling Policies and Industry Collaboration
Indorama Ventures actively contributes technical expertise to government and industry discussions on EPR readiness and sustainable packaging design. Its contributions include recommendations on draft PET Design for Recycling guidelines through the Federation of Thai Industries’ (FTI) TIPMSE. These recommendations focus on how packaging material selection influences recycling compatibility and the quality of recovered PET.
At the international level, the company collaborates with organisations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in the United States and Plastics Recyclers Europe. Through these partnerships, Indorama Ventures connects policy development with practical recycling experience and industry expertise.
As per the press release, through its participation in SX2026, Indorama Ventures continues to highlight the importance of PET recycling, policy development and cross-industry partnerships in advancing sustainable packaging. By combining recycling expertise, technological innovation and regional collaboration, the company aims to support a more resource-efficient and circular economy.
