Japanese alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages firm Suntory and Anellotech, a US-based biotechnology company, will jointly build a facility in Texas which will develop a component used in making 100% bio-based PET bottles.
The development of the facility is in line with Suntory’s plans to pack its products under Suntory Beverage & Food’s (Mineral Water) Suntory Tennensui brand in100% bio-based PET bottles.
Construction of the plant is completed, with plans to begin installation by the end of January. The facility is expected to become operational during 2016.
Suntory is said to carry out several activities that intend to minimize environmental impact in order to preserve sustainable global environment for future.
The group intends to develop PET bottles with minimal environmental impact. The company also looks to introduce lightest PET bottles using 30% bio-based materials for its Tennensui 550ml mineral water bottles.
The partnership with Anellotech will allow Suntory to achieve its goal of implementing and developing eco-friendly products.
Anellotech produces bio-aromatics including bio-paraxylene, an important component required to make bio-based PET bottle.
The two companies have planned to use only non-food biomass or wood chip to manufacture paraxylene, which is an antecedent to terephthalic acid that composes 70% of PET resin.
As of 31 December 2014, Suntory employs 37,613 people across its operations. The company generated $20.36bn in consolidated sales during 2014.
Image: Suntory and Anellotechto build PET bottles testing plant. Photo: Courtesy of SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED/Business Wire.