Borealis announced the installation of a semi-commercial demonstration recyclate-based polyolefins (rPO) compounding line in Beringen, Belgium. Set for construction during 2024, it is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2025.
The state-of-the-art line will use Borealis’ proprietary Borcycle™ M technology to transform mechanically recycled post-consumer waste into high-quality rigid polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) materials. Capable of processing a broad range of recyclate flakes from both PP and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste sources, the new line will offer exceptional versatility and flexibility.
As a semi-commercial demonstration line, it will showcase the power of Borcycle M technology to produce mechanically recycled solutions that meet the rigorous and varied demands of high-performance applications in industries including mobility, consumer products, appliances, and energy. In doing so, the line will support Borealis’ customers to integrate value-added recycled plastics into their product lines without compromising performance.
As per the press release, the investment will expand Borealis’ overall recyclate processing and compounding capacity. It will also provide valuable operational experience and technological insight into recyclate processing-knowledge that will be vital in supporting Borealis to scale up this transformative technology.
The move complements Borealis’ recent acquisitions of recyclate-based compounding business Rialti and advanced mechanical recycler Integra and is further evidence of its commitment to accelerate the transformation to a circular economy for plastics.
“At Borealis, we are dedicated to supporting our customers to meet their sustainability goals while maintaining exceptionally high quality standards,” explained Mirjam Mayer, Borealis Vice President Circular Economy Solutions. Mayer added, “This represents another step in Borealis’ EverMinds™ ambition to deepen our expertise in giving plastic waste a new life in high-value applications”.
