Thaiplastic Recycle Group gains US FDA approval for its rPET flakes: source

Thaiplastic Recycle Group Co., Ltd. has obtained certification for its recycled PET flakes in the US, opening up potential new export markets, a company source told Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, Aug. 18.

The Thailand-based company, which makes hot-washed rPET flakes from post-consumer PET bottles and has a monthly production capacity of 3,500 metric tons, has received a US Food and Drug Administration No Objection Letter (FDA NOL) for food contact and non-food contact material, according to the company source.

"This will [allow] us to explore opportunities in the US market," the source said, adding that the company is looking to expand beyond its existing presence in Asia into the European and US markets.

The source noted that the company is aligned with international standards, including ISO9001 and ISO14001, set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+), among others.

Thaiplastic Recycle's obtaining of the US FDA NOL reflects a broader trend of advancing recycling standards in Southeast Asia and the region's growing role in the global recycling market, although multiple Southeast Asia PET recyclers have told Platts that fewer cargoes have been directed to Europe and US lately due to relatively high freight rates.