TBC Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary, Affirming Its Leadership in Eco-Friendly Aluminium Can Production, Aiming for Sustainable Business By 2030 with a new factory that uses more recycled materials.
On November 9, 2022, Thai Beverage Can Co., Ltd. or TBC, celebrated its 25th anniversary, pushing ahead with the TBC SG 2030 business plan towards a sustainable organization. They aim to use 85% recycled aluminium by 2030 and are investing 2.9 billion baht to establish the first aluminium bottle production factory in Thailand using the new DWI technology. This technology will produce thin aluminium bottles, a first in Thailand for the regional market, set to commence commercial operations in August 2023. This move is expected to increase the proportion of used aluminium cans being recycled. Additionally, TBC is committed to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through the “Recycle for Life” project, supporting the Prostheses Foundation.
Saroch Chayavivatkul, Managing Director of Thai Beverage Can Co., Ltd. (TBC), shared that in marking TBC’s 25th anniversary and stepping into the 26th year, the company is ready to continue expanding its business and product development in Thailand. With long-term strategies and goals, TBC aims to elevate business operations towards sustainable development based on social, economic, and environmental responsibilities, known as the TBC Sustainability Goals 2030 or TBC SG 2030. This aligns with the BCG Model (Bio Economy, Circular Economy, Green Economy) policy for sustainable development and achieving Net Zero Emissions for the country.
In achieving these goals, the company focuses on product development with modern technology that can reduce the thickness of aluminium material while maintaining strength, known as DWI (Drawing and Wall Ironing Bottles Cans). This technology aligns with current and future consumer directions, especially in the new factory currently under construction in a 54 Rai in Nong Khae, Saraburi, to produce new-model aluminium bottles for the regional market. The factory, with an annual production capacity of 200 million bottles, is set to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
“Our beverage packaging products focus on using aluminium because it is a material that can be 100% recycled, known as Closed-Loop recycling, which is a type of recycling that forms a closed loop. TBC is the only one in Southeast Asia that can recycle comprehensively, aligning with our TBC SG 2030 strategy which focuses on 22 main aspects: Product Stewardship and Social Impact. We aim to increase the aluminium content in our products, which currently comprises 70% recycled material, and expect to reach 85% by the year 2030, the highest rate in the packaging sector,” said Saroch.
Over the years, the company has focused on meeting consumer demands, becoming a major aluminium can producer in the country, and exporting to neighboring nations. Committed to being a sustainable packaging business leader, TBC plays a vital role in using environmentally friendly products for producing endlessly eco-friendly recyclable aluminium cans (Closed-Loop recycling) that are safe and sanitary for consumption under the Circular Economy principles.
However, to ensure efficient and complete recycling processes, TBC collaborated with leading Thai universities for over 2 years, studying and researching the lifecycle of various packaging. The research found that 88% of used aluminium cans are collected, which is a high number but suggests room for improvement, indicating consumer awareness and prioritization of waste sorting, especially valuable aluminium cans for continuous recycling.
“We are committed to managing used aluminium cans efficiently and completely, working with the government, community, and private sector to promote the collection of used cans for recycling into new cans, ensuring 100% utilization and preventing environmental waste,” Saroch added.
Furthermore, TBC actively implements projects to improve quality of life and build a better society, particularly the “Recycle for Life for the Prostheses Foundation” project. This includes accepting donations of aluminium can tabs and cans through the “Recycle for Life for the Prostheses Foundation” project and converting them into funds to purchase suitable aluminium for prosthetic production for the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother. Those interested can donate tabs and cans, without needing to separate the tabs, at Big C shopping mall nationwide over 190 branches and other participating stores across the country starting now.