Borealis launches recycling technology Borcycle™ and new rPO compound at K 2019

Borealis announces the introduction of a new plastics recycling technology, Borcycle™. This evolving technology will be used to produce high-quality compounds made of recycled polyolefins (rPO) such as the newly-launched Borcycle™ MF1981SY, an rPO with over 80% recycled content intended for use in visible appliance parts. Borealis also announces a series of significant material improvements to existing recyclates in the established Purpolen™ brand portfolio. Borealis and its wholly-owned subsidiary, mtm plastics, will showcase the new Borcycle technology and recyclate innovations at the K 2019 in October.

Advancing technology to bring about polyolefin circularity

Recyclates from mtm save approximately 30% of CO2 emissions compared to virgin materials

The new technology, Borcycle, transforms polyolefin-based waste streams into recyclate material such as pellets. As a scalable and modular technology, Borcycle has been developed to meet growing market demand for high-quality recyclate. According to company, compounds made using the Borcycle technology deliver high performance, add value and offer versatility.

Borcycle™ MF1981SY is the first of several upcoming launches of rPO solutions made under the umbrella of the Borcycle technology. Borcycle™ MF1981SY will be available to Borealis customers in Europe. The compound is an exciting addition to the rPO portfolio because it is a 10% talc-filled compound that contains over 80% recycled material. It offers an ideal balance between stiffness and impact. The compound is especially suited for use in visible black parts, for example in small appliances.

Like its relatives in the mtm plastics family of recyclate materials, Borcycle™ MF1981SY is a truly sustainable offering. Recyclates from mtm save approximately 30% of CO2 emissions compared to virgin materials.

A number of significant improvements have been also made to existing recyclate grades in the Purpolen portfolio.

Purpolen® PE FF

• A fine-filtered (FF) polyethylene (PE) regranulate
• Improved gel level via extrusion setup:

- Modified screw by means of integrated mixing element
- Finer melt filtration
- Higher quality is now more comparable to competing conventional grades; is suitable for general purpose applications

Purpolen® PE Y01

• A 100%-PCR grade with low melt flow rate (MFR); for extrusion processes for pipes or larger bottles.
• In extrusion processes, lower MFR and lower gel content are prerequisites for the production of bottles and pipes (among other products), offering improved aesthetics, better surface finish and processing stability.

About the company

Borealis is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilizers. With its head office in Vienna, Austria, the company currently has more than 6,800 employees and operates in over 120 countries. Borealis generated EUR 8.3 billion in sales revenue and a net profit of EUR 906 million in 2018. Mubadala, through its holding company, owns 64% of the company, with the remaining 36% belonging to Austria-based OMV, an integrated, international oil and gas company.