05-06-2024

Borealis to establish recyclate-based polyolefins compounding line in Belgium

Borealis is pleased to announce 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.

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.

This 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,” explains Mirjam Mayer, Borealis Vice President Circular Economy Solutions. “This represents another step in Borealis’ EverMinds ambition to deepen our expertise in giving plastic waste a new life in high-value applications."

About Borealis

Borealis is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. In Europe, Borealis is also an innovative leader in polyolefins recycling and a major producer of base chemicals. We leverage our polymer expertise and decades of experience to offer value-adding, innovative and circular material solutions for key industries such as consumer products, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and mobility.

With customers in over 120 countries and head office in Vienna, Austria, Borealis employs around 6,000 people. In 2023, we generated a net profit of EUR 216 million. OMV, the integrated energy, fuels & feedstock and chemicals and materials company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, owns 75% of our shares. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), owns the remaining 25%.

In re-inventing essentials for sustainable living, we build on our commitment to safety, our people, innovation and technology, and performance excellence. We are accelerating the transformation to a circular economy of polyolefins and expanding our geographical footprint to better serve our customers around the globe. Our operations are augmented by two important joint ventures: Borouge (with ADNOC, headquartered in the UAE); and Baystar (with TotalEnergies, based in the US).