Bangkok: GC joins hands with Right Reactivation to extract valuable metals from used catalysts, the first successful in Thailand, increasing the value of industrial waste and promoting a circular economy.

According to Thai News Agency, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and Right Reactivation Public Company Limited (RRP) announced the successful development and commercialization of valuable metal extraction technology from used catalysts in the petrochemical production process for the first time in Thailand. This is an important step for Thai industry in unlocking industrial waste that used to be exported for management abroad, transforming it into high-value resources, and driving industrial growth based on a sustainable circular economy.

Catalysts are an important component in the production process of the petrochemical industry. They are composed of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and silver, which significantly increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and reduce environmental impacts. However, when the catalysts reach the end of their useful life, they become waste (Spent Catalyst) that previously could not be managed domestically. Therefore, they had to rely on exporting them abroad to extract metals, resulting in high costs and lost economic opportunities. As a global chemical leader that drives competitiveness through innovation and sustainable development, GC recognizes the potential of Thai industries and has collaborated with RRP, a leader in regeneration technology, activated carbon, adsorbents, and catalysts, to develop a technology to extract valuable metals from used catalysts for commercial use for the first time in Thailand, reducing reliance on foreign technology and supporting the circulation of resources i n the country.

This collaboration uses Spent Catalyst from GC's manufacturing process as a pilot raw material under a safe and environmentally friendly process developed with Thai knowledge. GC plays a role in driving the transition from traditional waste management to an approach that is consistent with the circular economy and in line with Thailand's BCG Economy model, which aims to use resources efficiently, develop innovations from domestic resources, and create growth on a sustainable basis.

'We are delighted and proud to be a part of the success of this project, which is the first time in Thailand that valuable metals have been successfully extracted from used catalysts. This collaboration with RRP reflects GC's commitment to promote and develop innovations that address sustainability through the integration of knowledge, technology, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs. This project is a tangible example of creating shared value that will help elevate Thai industries to compete globally with environmental responsibility and grow sustainably together.'

Mr. Nattasit Thirakulvanich, Chief Executive Officer of Right Reactivation Public Company Limited (RRP), expressed, 'The collaboration with GC is a significant support that enables us to turn ideas into practical technology for the first time in Thailand. GC not only trusted us to use Spent Catalyst from the production process as a pilot material, but also helped drive the project to reach the semi-industrial level and commercialize it in a tangible way. This success in extracting valuable metals from industrial waste not only reduces the amount of hazardous waste but also increases the value of resources, responds to the circular economy, and supports the sustainable development of Thai industries.'

At the event 'Urban Mining: Unlocking the Future with Precious Metal Recovery', there was an official handover ceremony of precious metals extracted from used catalysts, reflecting the progress of sustainable resource management in the Thai industrial sector. This success is another example of GC StandOut who dares to think and do new things to create sustainable differences in every dimension of the business. This not only creates a competitive advantage but also drives GC towards high-value, low-carbon businesses and sustainable growth.