Transport Packaging

Borealis supplies a range of polypropylene grades for injection moulded transport packaging, which are typically used in returnable packaging such as boxes, trays, crates, pallets and pails.

The key requirement in returnable transport packaging (RTP) is durability. The plastic materials need to withstand handling and stacking during transportation and storage, and resist wear to preserve their attractiveness when used in stores as sales displays.

To meet market demands, Borealis has optimised its products to offer:

• production output increase through reduced cooling time and high flowability,
• superior stackability through high stiffness and excellent creep properties,
• durability and protection of transported goods through very good impact resistance.

Bormod - benefits for the converter, solutions for the supply chain

Borealis has especially developed two Borstar PP grades to meet the needs of RTP systems, Bormod BF970MO and Bormod BE961MO. Both are heterophasic copolymers which extend the stiffness-impact balance of PP to new levels. The grades are manufactured using our unique Borealis Nucleation Technology (BNT) which provides a highly uniform crystalline structure during cooling and rapid solidification for earlier de-moulding and higher output in the IM process.

The typical properties of these RTP’s explain their success: 

• Durability: they are durable and guarantee a long service life compared to wood or cardboard. Whereas a cardboard box can rarely be re-used, when an RTP is used for 20 trips or more, the cost per trip is as low as 25% of the cardboard box.
• Light weight: the low weight of RTP provides further supply chain savings.
• Excellent product protection: RTP solutions maintain their properties under all weather conditions and provide excellent product protection.
• Preservation: thanks to better air circulation (head space perforations), RTP offers excellent temperature control and extended shelf life for products in the cold distribution system.
• Hygiene: there is no absorption of water, bacteria or odours, and RTP is easy to clean, steam, wash, or sterilise. No fumigation is required.
• Easy integration with automated warehousing systems: due to their stability of dimensions, RTP’s are ideal for automated warehousing systems.
• Recyclability and re-usabilty: 20 to 25% of the raw material consumption in this application is recycled material.
• Design freedom: the design freedom provided by polyolefins turns RTPs into marketing tools.
• Waste reduction: EU directives to reduce waste have led to the progressive introduction of landfill taxes and other environmental legislation affecting disposable transport packaging. RTPs are a reusable solution.
• Traceability: it is easy to combine electronic tagging and tracing (RFID) with RTPs.  

Bormod BE961MO vs. Bormod BF970MO

When a fast processing, durable packaging solution is needed, Bormod BE961MO is a material grade that offers excellent impact resistance and low creep at elevated temperatures. Moreover, output increases of up to 15% vs. MFR4 material have been obtained due to its excellent flowability (MFR=12). 

When a fast processing, high stiffness packaging solution is needed, Bormod BF970MO is valued for its superior stackability. A 10% decrease in cycle time vs. MFR14 material has been obtained, while delivering an enhanced balance of mechanical properties (MFR=20).