Invention of the First 100% Bio-based PET Bottle in the World
Far Eastern New Century Corporation
The polyester production capacity of Far Eastern New Century is 2 million tons per year. The company is not only the world’s leading supplier of polyester, but also the pioneer in promoting consumption in an environmentally friendly way together with other world renowned brands. Far Eastern New Century created the world’s first batch of 100% Bio-PET plastic bottles for Coke.
INTRODUCTION
Far Eastern New Century Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturer of polyester. In the 1980s, the company produced Asia’s first PET bottle. Far Eastern New Century’s long-term commitment is to mitigate global environment impact through reducing, recycling and replacing petro-based materials. Its ultimate goal is to completely replace petrochemical feedstock with biomass feedstock in the future so that one day human beings can enjoy the convenience of plastic containers which are environmentally friendly.
FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGY
Traditionally, polyester producers use two main petro-based raw materials, purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and mono-ethylene glycol (MEG), for polyester products. Since 2012, Far Eastern New Century began a cutting edge technology development production of 100% Bio-PET. The company started cooperation with Coca-Cola in 2013, using BioFormPX@ by US-based company Virent, and through oxidation, hydrogenation and purification processes, Far Eastern New Century successfully converted the feedstock to 100% Bio-PTA. Then polymerized with 100% Bio-MEG, the world’s first batch of 100% Bio-PET bottle grade chips was made. The creation of the 100% Bio-PET showcased FENC’s fully integrated polyester innovation and production capabilities. In 2014, Far Eastern New Century took up a greater challenge in the form of a pilot plant which is dedicated to the creation of 100% Bio-PET bottles which are in full compliance with international beverage packaging standards, putting it one step closer to the commercialization of 100% Bio-PET bottles.ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT
The polyester production capacity of Far Eastern New Century is 2 million tons per year. The company is not only the world’s leading supplier of polyester, but also the pioneer in promoting consumption in an environmentally friendly way together with other world renowned brands. Far Eastern New Century created the world’s first batch of 100% Bio-PET plastic bottles for Coke. The product officially went public in 2015 in the Milan World Expo with Coca-Cola. This accomplishment demonstrated the commercial viability of 100% Bio-PET bottles. According to FENC’s estimation, if biomass feedstock is used to replace global PET plastic bottles, then about 500 million barrels of crude oil can be saved annually, which is equivalent to global oil consumption of five days.FUTURE DIRECTION
Far Eastern New Century has the integrated upstream to downstream polyester production capacity and core competence. The company has superb research and development capability. Far Eastern New Century’s long term goal is to continue to dedicate itself to sustainable development of eco-friendly products, expanding green polyester production and providing green solutions to customers. Under the trend of advocacy for environmental protection by international brands and mitigation of global climate change, Far Eastern New Century will play a key role in this wave for sustainability.
Established in 1954, Far Eastern New Century Corporation has grown to be an integrated industry dealing in petrochemicals, polyesters and textiles in Asia. As a major global producer of polyester fibers and PET bottles, the company is now the designated partner of various world renowned brands.
