Borealis has combined with Borouge and NOVA Chemicals to form Borouge International, a new global polyolefins leader.
Photo: from left to right: Shanila Baseley (Vice President Sales Borealis GmbH), Michael Krön (Executive Producer Eurovision Song Contest 2026), Harald Hauke (ARA Spokesperson of the Executive Board), Beatrix Praeceptor (CEO Greiner Packaging)
©ORF/Roman Zach-Kiesling
Vienna, April 29, 2026 – As Europe’s largest music competition marks its 70th anniversary, the Eurovision Song Contest is embracing a pioneering circular economy solution developed entirely in Austria. In collaboration with Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) as the official event supplier, Borouge International, OMV and Greiner Packaging, 100,000 reusable cups made from 100% recycled plastic will be used on-site during the main event and official side events in Vienna.
The initiative saves approximately five tons of virgin raw materials and represents a fully closed-loop recycling solution: from waste collection and processing to cup production, every step of the value chain takes place in Austria. Serving as a flagship example of an “Austrian Closed Loop,” the project sets a new benchmark for sustainability at major international events.
The reusable cups are produced using plastic packaging waste collected through Austria’s nationwide yellow bag and yellow bin system in both urban and rural areas. After collecting, the material is sorted and converted into high-quality flakes by ARA.
These flakes are then processed at OMV’s ReOil® plant, where they are transformed into synthetic crude oil. Borouge International converts this feedstock into sustainable, food-grade Borcycle™ C plastic granules, which are finally used by Greiner Packaging to manufacture durable, fully recyclable reusable cups. The result is a complete Austrian recycling loop that turns used packaging into high-quality products suitable for food contact.
“Our reusable cups are a best-practice example of the Austrian circular economy in action,” says Harald Hauke, Board Spokesperson of ARA.
“Closed-loop recycling is key to achieving high sustainability standards,” adds Shanila Baseley, Vice President Sales at Borealis, now Borouge International. “Our Borcycle C portfolio, based on chemically recycled plastics, enables food-contact applications such as these reusable cups, even for highly demanding everyday uses.”
The limited-edition reusable cups play an active role in reducing waste at the Eurovision Song Contest event by replacing single-use products. In addition, their production benefits from short transport routes and resource-efficient processes, supporting the event’s status as a certified Green Event.
Each cup features a printed QR code linking to DigiDot, ARA’s digital recycling guide. Available in 25 languages, DigiDot helps visitors identify correct waste separation options and nearby collection points, both during the event and beyond.
After the Eurovision Song Contest competition, cups showing wear or damage will be recycled and returned to the loop, while reusable cups will be donated to social institutions - ensuring that the initiative delivers lasting environmental and social value.
This news is also available in German language.
