D&L cements lead in plastic upcycling technologies

MANILA, Philippines — D&L Industries Inc. has cemented its position as the first and only company in the Philippines to offer technologies that bring new life into plastics that are considered as low value or non-recyclable, such as single-use plastics.

Through subsidiaries First in Colours Inc. (FIC) and D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC), the listed company said it is paving the way for a circular economy through plastic upcycling technologies.

“As the world moves towards a more sustainable path, we want to be at the forefront of this development driving the change. To innovate continuously in the direction of green chemistry is a commitment that we have made to the profession and to the future generations,” FIC and DLPC president Lester Lao said.

D&L Industries has been involved in the plastics industry for over six decades, while FIC and DLPC specialize in additives and compounds that give plastics a wide range of physical and chemical properties.

“Plastics are materials that are almost indispensable in the modern way of life. Its application extends to virtually every industry, from food to construction and infrastructure to transportation to health care and many more,” Lao said.

Lao however said a good percentage of post-consumer plastic materials, which are considered as low-value or nonrecyclable end up in landfills and those that are improperly disposed of find their way in the oceans.

“We believe that the key in truly utilizing the potential of plastics lies in technologies that enable plastics to be reincarnated multiple times, if not indefinitely, and that’s where FIC and DLPC come in,” Lao said.

D&L said FIC and DLPC have been successful in coming up with a range of solutions that enable plastic upcycling such as plastic additives.

Instead of simply offering these additives to the market, D&L said FIC and DLPC goes one step further by providing custom-compounding services to fit the specific needs and applications of customers.

According to Lao, upcycling is the future of plastics.

“In fact, in certain cases, upcycled plastics can even exceed the physical properties of virgin plastics. This technology also offers another way for companies to comply with the Extended Producers Responsibility Act by increasing recycled content of their plastic packaging materials,” Lao said.

“As a company, FIC and DLPC aim to be a one stop-shop in enabling our customers thrive in the ever changing business environment by providing custom technology solutions to the country’s plastics industry,” he said.