Sobhi, can you briefly explain what is special about PET with bio-content?
Sobhi: This PET with bio content offers two key advantages: reduced CO₂ emissions and seamless compatibility with conventional PET. In the production process, our partner JBF replaces fossil-based monoethylene glycol (MEG) with bio-MEG sourced from UPM. This bio-MEG is derived from certified wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in Germany, ensuring a readily available resource that re-enters the industrial production cycle. The second PET component, fossil-based terephthalic acid (PTA), remains unchanged. By incorporating wood-based MEG, CO₂ emissions of PET are reduced by up to one-third. Importantly, the material maintains the same quality and usability as virgin PET, allowing for direct integration into existing production processes without modifications.
For which polymer processors and applications is PET with bio-content suitable?
Sobhi: This PET with bio-content is especially appealing to plastics processors committed to sustainability targets and to companies responding to customer demand for eco-friendly products. Typical applications include films, trays for the food packaging industry, and bottlers/brand owners.
So is PET with wood-based MEG an alternative to recycled PET?
Sobhi: The two options—recycled PET and PET with bio content—are highly complementary, offering our customers distinct pathways to enhance sustainability. Recycled PET is essential for building a circular economy and aligns with the PPWR mandate, requiring single-use PET beverage bottles to contain at least 25% recycled material by 2025. This regulation, combined with growing market demand, will likely drive r-PET demand even higher, potentially outpacing supply.
In contrast, PET with bio content provides an innovative solution to further reduce the carbon footprint while complementing recycled content. We believe the plastics industry must diversify its portfolio of sustainable materials to meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly options, and PET with bio content plays a key role in this evolution.
What role does Meraxis play in the marketing of this product?
Sobhi: As a distribution partner, we offer an extensive customer network and the expertise to effectively position the product in the market. Initially, our commercial efforts are focused on Europe. Beyond our role as a distributor, we act as a catalyst for sustainable innovation. Our mission is to drive the adoption of more climate-friendly materials while providing comprehensive support to our customers, from material selection to technical guidance.
Where do you currently see the biggest challenges in the further market development for biopolymers in general?
Sobhi: One key challenge is raising awareness of biopolymers' benefits and addressing reservations about their use—a natural hurdle for a relatively young and small market. While biopolymers are generally more expensive than fossil-based polymers, acceptance is steadily increasing. More companies are investing in climate neutrality, recognizing the competitive edge that sustainable products can provide.
Thank you, Sobhi, for the insights.
Would you like to learn more about PET with bio content? Or are you interested in other sustainable products?
Please contact Sobhi Bou Obeid.
