Dow, a global materials science company, has joined forces with Mengniu, a prominent dairy company in China, to introduce an all-polyethylene (PE) yogurt pouch designed for recyclability. This innovative collaboration underscores the shared dedication of both companies to foster a circular economy in China.

Through the combined expertise of Dow in materials science and Mengniu's value chain collaboration, the first all-PE yogurt pouch designed for recyclability was created. The utilization of Dow's INNATE™ TF-BOPE resins ensures that the packaging maintains its superior appearance and functionality. This groundbreaking all-PE packaging, made possible by the INNATE™ TF-BOPE resins, is a significant advancement for the dairy industry. It allows traditionally hard-to-recycle packaging to be integrated into closed-loop recycling streams, facilitated by responsible recycling and mechanical recycling technology, offering consumers a wider range of sustainable packaging choices.

Bambang Candra, the Asia Pacific commercial vice president of Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, expressed his excitement about the partnership with Mengniu, hailing it as a milestone in introducing all-PE dairy packaging designed for recyclability in China. He emphasized how the country's ambition to achieve Zero-waste Cities has reshaped its approach to tackling plastic waste. The collaboration between Dow and Mengniu represents a crucial step towards enhancing recyclability and transforming recycled packaging into high-value applications through responsible disposal and appropriate recycling processes, ultimately reducing the industry's reliance on non-renewable resources. Dow's advanced research and development capabilities are geared towards assisting brand owners like Mengniu in taking actionable steps to meet their sustainability commitments.

As part of their sustainability strategy, Mengniu has set a goal to achieve 100% technically recyclable packaging by 2025 and strives to adopt low-carbon packaging across all product lines. The adoption of more environmentally-friendly packaging is a significant action towards fulfilling this commitment.

Mengniu's yogurt packaged with the all-PE design for recyclability will make its debut at the 2023 International Dairy Forum, taking place from Aug 4 to Aug 7 in Hohhot, a major city in Northern China. Afterward, it will be available in supermarkets across the city, offering consumers an eco-friendly and sustainable packaging choice.


Source:corporate.dow.com