Borealis to build recycled-based polyolefin compounding line in Belgium

Borealis has announced that it will install a semi-commercial demonstration recycled-based polyolefin (rPO) compounding line in Beringen, Belgium. Construction of the line is scheduled to start in 2024 and is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2025.

The state-of-the-art line will use Borealis' proprietary technology to convert mechanically recycled post-consumer waste into high-quality rigid polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) materials. Capable of processing a wide range of recycled flakes from PP and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste sources, the new line offers exceptional versatility and flexibility.

The investment will expand Borealis' overall recycled-based processing and compounding capabilities. It will also provide valuable operational experience and technical insights into recycled-based processing – knowledge that will be critical to supporting Borealis in scaling up this transformative technology.

This move complements Borealis' recent acquisitions and further demonstrates its commitment to accelerating the transition to a circular economy for plastics.

Mirjam Mayer, Vice President Circular Economy Solutions at Borealis, explains: "At Borealis, we are committed to supporting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals while maintaining extremely high quality standards. This represents a further step forward for Borealis in deepening our expertise in breathing new life into plastic waste in high-value applications."