Seah’s journey into plastic recycling was shaped by the values instilled in him by his parents. He recalls how they taught him to find and define value in scrap, emphasizing both the social and economic relevance of recycling. These early lessons shaped the foundation of his career and the possibilities that Heng Hiap Industries (HHI) continues to explore today. Beyond working smart, they stressed the importance of hard work, believing that persistence leads to resourcefulness and innovation. Seah believes that through hard work, the right mentors naturally appear to guide individuals to the next level.
Pioneering Plastic Recycling Technology
Heng Hiap Industries Sdn. Bhd. has revolutionized the plastic recycling industry with eight breakthrough technologies developed locally. With more than 30 patents filed, the company specializes in mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling. Through mechanical recycling, plastic scrap is transformed into Smart Plastics for highly specialized niche applications in the export market. Thermal and chemical recycling methods allow the company to convert plastic scrap into fuel and renewable energy, ultimately generating electricity. Seah explains that traditionally, plastics recycling was fragmented, with six different individual companies handling separate aspects of the process. Heng Hiap Industries has integrated all six businesses under one roof, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency.
A Passion for Innovation and Education
Seah’s academic journey was equally driven by his passion for innovation. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1997, he was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Research and Development Scholarship by the Malaysian American Commission of Education Exchange in 2000. He then pursued further studies at Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. Throughout his postgraduate studies, he focused his research on innovation in plastic recycling, culminating in a thesis titled “Closing The Loop through Plastics Reengineering.”
Smarter Plastics, Smarter Solutions
Heng Hiap Industries’ ability to innovate has set it apart from competitors. The company supplies proven materials and focuses on making plastics smarter, ensuring the highest yield in recycling. Unlike conventional recyclers, Heng Hiap Industries motivates customers to switch from generic-grade materials to customized Smart Plastic solutions. Their unique approach tailors three key components—base material, colour, and special functionality—to meet specific customer requirements.
Among its key innovations, the company has developed fast-cycle polypropylene that reduces cycle time by 65 percent, from 10 seconds to 3.5 seconds, significantly improving efficiency in the packaging industry. Anti-bacterial polypropylene has been engineered to reduce surface bacteria count by over 90 percent, benefiting the material handling sector. Fire-retardant polypropylene prevents fire hazards in Korean home appliances and electronic components, meeting strict European safety standards. Their green building polypropylene uses more than 95 percent plastic scrap, making it compliant with the Green Building Index. Colour customization polypropylene provides a seamless three-in-one solution, offering precise customization to suit customer needs.
Driving Growth and Industry Leadership
The company’s clients include industry leaders who rely on Heng Hiap Industries’ cutting-edge materials to maintain their competitive edge. A notable example is a Japanese firm that utilizes the fast-cycle polypropylene to reduce cycle times from 10 seconds to 3.5 seconds, greatly enhancing its cost leadership position. Seah describes his company as the “secret weapon” behind the success of its clients.
Sustaining more than 35 percent growth over the past five years, Heng Hiap Industries continues to push the boundaries of innovation in plastic recycling. Now leading a team of 97 employees, Seah believes that success is not solely measured by financial gains but also by the impact a leader creates. For him, true leadership lies in maximizing influence and leaving a lasting legacy. He firmly believes that a leader is only as successful as the team that supports them.
