Thong Guan Industries Berhad (TGIB) has spent over 80 years evolving from a humble tea and coffee merchant into one of Asia’s largest plastic packaging manufacturers. Founded in Malaysia in 1942 under the brand ‘888’, TGIB has since expanded its reach to over 60 countries, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining a firm commitment to sustainability.
A Commitment to a Greener Future
As a leader in cast pallet stretch film and garbage bag production, TGIB produces over 150,000 metric tons of plastic packaging annually, operating manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, China, and Thailand. Recognizing the environmental impact of its industry, the company is dedicated to embedding sustainability into every facet of its operations. Its vision is to lead the plastic packaging sector towards a circular economy by prioritizing low-carbon products, operational efficiency, and waste reduction.
TGIB’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework is central to its mission, guiding the company in areas such as circularity, energy efficiency, digitalization, human capital development, and ethical business practices. The company actively documents both its successes and challenges, sharing insights that drive continuous improvement.
Research & Innovation Driving Sustainability
A major step in TGIB’s sustainability journey is its RM 10 million investment in Newton Research & Development Centre Sdn Bhd. Certified under ISO17025 and recognized by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), this R&D hub plays a critical role in helping customers optimize plastic use, improve load safety, minimize reverse logistics, and reduce waste. The Centre is also ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) certified and a member of EUMOS (European Safe Logistics Applications), solidifying TGIB’s leadership in packaging safety and efficiency.
TGIB also aligns its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility. This includes initiatives in education, healthcare, job creation, and climate change mitigation.
Investing in Renewable Energy and Waste Reduction
To lower its carbon footprint, TGIB has prioritized energy efficiency, implementing a range of initiatives, including the modernization of its chiller and compressor systems. Since 2018, the company has also invested RM 11 million in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across its factories, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. Future expansion plans include increasing PV capacity to support its growing production footprint. Additionally, TGIB participates in the Green Electricity Tariff program by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, further reinforcing its commitment to Malaysia’s renewable energy sector.
In its drive towards a circular economy, TGIB aims for zero plastic production waste. The ‘RE:USE’ and ‘RE:DO’ programs repurpose plastic waste from suppliers and customers into recycled resins, closing the loop in the supply chain. These initiatives ensure that TGIB’s customers not only receive high-performance products but also reduce their carbon footprint in the process.
Global Standards and Recognitions
TGIB has reinforced its commitment to sustainability through internationally recognized certifications. In 2021, it achieved ISCC Plus certification, demonstrating its compliance with sustainable production practices. This was followed by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, validating the quality of its recycled products and processes.
By integrating sustainability into its core strategy, TGIB is setting a new benchmark for the plastic packaging industry. With a future-focused mindset, the company continues to lead by example, ensuring that environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand.
