Borealis Circular Economy Solutions is dedicated to discovering new opportunities for long-term business growth, primarily in the areas of mechanical recycling and design for recyclability. As the first prime polyolefins producer to have acquired a plastics recycler, Borealis has again proven its pioneering, “Keep Discovering” mindset. Together, Borealis and mtm plastics are leveraging their combined expertise and decades of experience to produce more high-quality plastic recyclate.
Over the recent years, mechanical recycling has proven to be effective, and will likely remain the eco-efficient method of choice in the foreseeable future when implementing the principles of the circular economy. Borealis and mtm plastics are bundling their respective fields of know-how and experience – in polymer science, compounding and R&D on the one hand; and mechanical recycling, on the other – to explore the opportunities that arise when virgin producers and recyclers join forces.
Together, the aim is to upscale recycling output, ensure the better availability of high-quality plastics recyclate for the European market, and ultimately achieve increased polyolefins circularity.
Design for Recyclability
The circular economy opens up new ways to reinvent the economy in the interest of preserving natural capital and minimising waste. Another important aspect of eco-efficient waste stream management is design for recyclability (DfR), which incorporates recycling principles into the design process itself in order to achieve optimised circulation of material for recycling and re-use.
To this end, Borealis is collaborating with value chain partners – designers, retailers, packaging producers and brand owners – to develop material solutions and concepts to improve end-of-life recyclability and the performance properties of recyclate material. Two recent examples illustrating DfR and the Borealis mission of Value Creation through Innovation include:
The Full PE Laminate solution is based on the proprietary Borstar® bimodal polyethylene (PE) technology in combination with machine direction oriented (MDO) processing technology. Once recycled, this full PE solution can be processed into extruded film applications. It thus enables a broader spectrum of second-life options for flexible packaging.
Daploy™ HMS PP is based on proprietary Borealis technology. This high melt strength, polypropylene foam material is 100%-recyclable and suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive and construction, in addition to packaging and food services. The material is ideal for achieving an improved environmental footprint, lighter weight, better thermal properties, and unique haptics.
