According to the company’s website news release on May 20, 2023, Toray Group has identified achieving a circular economy as a key issue under its Medium-Term Management Program, Project AP-G 2022. Towards this end, it has started new initiatives for sustainable products, including supplying recycled fiber &+™. Toray Group companies in Malaysia (referred to as TGM) has now emulated the good example of Toray Industries, Inc. in Japan by propagating this circular economy concept in Malaysia.
In partnership with the Penang State Government’s Green Initiative, the Penang Green Council and other recycling and manufacturing establishments in Malaysia, TGM is arranging for the collection of empty mineral water bottles, firstly from the schools in Penang State. These empty bottles will be processed into flakes and chips to become the raw materials for use in Penfibre Sdn. Berhad (PFR) to make recycled polyester staple fiber that will then be spun, weaved and manufactured in Penfabric Sdn. Berhad (PAB) into fabric for use as shirting and suiting materials.
As a soft launch for this project cum corporate social responsibility initiative, TGM donated 150 pieces of school shirts made from recycled polyester to the pupils of Aik Hua Primary School in Penang. These items were handed over by Toray’s Chief Representative for Malaysia Teh Hock Soon and PAB Deputy Managing Director Tomonobu Nishimura to the School Board Chairman Dato’ Gary Choot Ewe Beng and Headmistress Cheryl Tey on February 3, 2023 in conjunction with their graduation day, witnessed by PAB Sales Director Josephine Teoh, Toray Industries (Malaysia) Sdn. Berhad (TML) Senior Consultant Hun Keng Kuan and school board members.
Vigorous promotional efforts will start in earnest on March 21 when Penang Chief Minister Mr. Chow Kon Yeow launches the “Toray &+™ Recycling Competition 2023” to promote the collection of used PET bottles by school children throughout Penang State.
