Circular 21 Oct 2026
Dow: EPR and PCR mandates will shape packaging design and demand
At Pack Expo in Chicago, Dow sustainability managers said EPR laws will drive packaging design, that mandates requiring PCR use are key to securing demand, and that mechanical recycling alone cannot reach the targets, adding that procurement teams see PCR as another lever for supply security. California and six other US states are implementing packaging EPR laws, many of whose obligations take effect from 2027.
What it means for you: Thai converters supplying multinational brands or the US market should expect more requests for PCR content and design-for-recycling data, so it pays to start trialling PCR grades and logging lot-to-lot consistency now.
Source: Resource Recycling
Technology 8 Oct 2026
GC's lightweight blow-moulding grade HD6900B wins innovation award
GC's lightweight blow-moulded packaging solution based on its HD6900B grade (InnoPlus brand) was named first runner-up in the environment category of Thailand's 2026 National Innovation Awards. GC says it can cut resin use in packaging by up to 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 16%.
What it means for you: Blow moulders asked by brand owners to cut bottle weight can request trial data on such grades, but thinner walls mean top load, drop and ESCR must be re-tested on their own moulds before switching.
Source: PTT Global Chemical (GC) press release
Regulation 8 Oct 2026
EU bans plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries from 21 Nov
The EU will ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, which include the ASEAN states, from 21 November 2026, a date also shown on the European Commission's waste-shipment timeline. The release notes that Thailand and Indonesia stopped plastic scrap imports in January 2025 and that EU recycled-content minimums for packaging start in 2030, which tightens PCR supply for goods bound for the EU.
What it means for you: Thailand already takes no scrap from Europe, so PCR for EU-bound products must come from domestic collection; converters with EU customers should secure qualified local PCR sources and traceability paperwork early.
Source: Asia News Network (Plasticity Forum press release); date confirmed on European Commission waste-shipments page
Market 6 Oct 2026
SCC: GC–SCGC olefins/PE/PP JV structure due on 29 October
SCC's CEO said the shareholding structure, transaction steps and expected synergies of the planned joint venture combining GC's and SCGC's Thai olefins, PE and PP plants will be announced on 29 October, with GC as the major shareholder and the deal still subject to Trade Competition Commission approval. He also said Rayong Olefins restarted on 17 September after a feedstock-related shutdown since March, and now runs on feedstock imported from the US and Africa.
What it means for you: If the deal proceeds, the PE and PP plants of both producers would sit under one company, so converters should map which grades and suppliers they rely on and watch for any supply conditions set by the competition regulator.
Source: MGR Online (ผู้จัดการออนไลน์)
Thailand 2 Oct 2026
Floods hit Thai factories; FTI puts direct losses at 1.018bn baht
The Federation of Thai Industries estimated direct manufacturing losses from flooding in Bangkok and 14 provinces at 1.018 billion baht, with at least 34 factories damaged at Amata City Chonburi after an earthen dyke gave way. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand ordered full tests of flood defences at at-risk estates and called a board meeting on relief measures.
What it means for you: Check the flood exposure of your own plant and of key resin, masterbatch and packaging suppliers in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani and Chonburi, and consider extra safety stock of critical grades until the rainy season ends.
Source: The Nation (Thailand)
