Suntory to introduce Flake-to-Preform Direct Recycling (FtoP®) Technology in Thailand

2026-08-19 2:43 min Sustainability & Circular Economy, Asia Pacific, PET injection moulding systems

Suntory HoldingsMinato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Suntory Holdings will introduce the Flake-to-Preform Direct Recycling (FtoP®) Technology for 100% recycled PET bottles in Thailand starting in 2028.

Indovida (Thailand) Limited, a joint venture established in July 2026 by Indorama Ventures PCL and Iwatani Corporation, will produce PET preforms¹ using the FtoP® technology, with PET flakes mainly sourced from Indorama Ventures PCL. Indovida (Thailand) Limited is expected to have an annual production capacity of approximately 400 million PET preforms, all of which will be procured by Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand). Beginning in 2028, the preforms will be introduced into products sold in Thailand, advancing the use of recycled materials while improving recycling efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This initiative marks the first² commercial introduction of the FtoP® technology for PET bottles in Southeast Asia.

What is FtoP® Technology?

Jointly developed by Suntory and three partner companies, including Japanese recycling firm Kyoei Industry Co., Ltd., the patented FtoP® technology enables PET preforms to be manufactured directly from recycled PET bottles. By eliminating certain processes required in conventional PET bottle recycling, such as crystallization and drying, the technology is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 70%³ compared with bottles made from virgin fossil-based materials. Since 2018, the technology has been applied to the production of Suntory’s soft drink PET bottles in Japan.

Expanding Application Beyond Japan

The technology has traditionally required a stable supply of used PET bottles that meet certain quality standards, limiting its deployment in markets where collection and recycling systems differ from those established in Japan.

Suntory collaborated with equipment manufacturers, including NGR (Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH) and Husky TechnologiesTM, to optimize the technology for PET bottle recycling conditions in Thailand. By optimizing the selection criteria for collected PET bottles and the decontamination process, the technology can now be applied to collected PET bottles of varying quality while maintaining the same high standards of quality and safety achieved in Japan, enabling the direct conversion of recycled PET flakes into high-quality PET preforms.

“A truly circular economy can only be built through collaboration across the value chain,” said Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures. “With Suntory Group and Iwatani Corporation, we are bringing together world-class innovation and expertise to make commercial-scale circular PET production a reality in Thailand. This partnership helps us position Thailand as a regional leader in circular packaging solutions while creating long-term value for the environment, our customers and the economy.”

Kenji Motoori, Director, Senior Managing Officer, General Manager, Materials Business Group of Iwatani Corporation added, “We are delighted to begin this initiative with Suntory Group to advance the commercialization of FtoP® technology in Thailand. Through our joint venture with Indorama Ventures, we will support this project by ensuring a stable supply of high-quality recycled PET preforms. We will continue to work closely with our partners to help realize a circular economy.”

Implementation & Future Outlook

Beginning in 2028, Suntory Group will introduce the technology in Thailand in collaboration with Indovida (Thailand) Limited, with plans to explore future expansion into additional markets in Southeast Asia.

“We see the introduction of this FtoP® technology in Thailand as a significant step forward in expanding the adoption of sustainable PET bottle, which is a key target of Suntory Group,” said Jun Asaki, Chief Sustainability Officer of Suntory Holdings. “Through collaboration with a wider range of partners, we aim to promote PET bottles as a sustainable packaging solution in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, contributing to the realization of a circular society and environmental impact reduction.”

As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, and with a purpose “To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature,” Suntory Group has been committed to achieving a sustainable society since its founding.

Based on the Suntory Group Plastic Policy established in 2019, the Group aims to use recycled or bio-based materials for all its PET bottles globally by 2030 and eliminate the use of newly produced virgin fossil-based materials. Through its 2R+B (Reduce/Recycle + Bio) strategy, including PET bottle lightweighting, “bottle-to-bottle” horizontal recycling in Japan, and the introduction of recycled PET bottles, Suntory Group will continue its efforts to realize a circular society and reduce environmental impact.

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^*1 A PET bottle preform shaped like a test tube and made from PET resin. PET bottles are formed by heating this and injecting air under high pressure.

^*2 Based on Suntory Holdings' assessment (as of July 2026)

^*3 Based on calculations for Japan only.

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www.suntory.com

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