The benefits of value chain collaboration were on full display at the 2023 FAKUMA, which took place from October 17 to 21 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. With nearly 40,000 visitors, this year’s trade show for the plastics processing industry was the ideal opportunity to witness advancements in polyolefins-based solutions for the packaging and other industries. Borealis value chain partners organized live production demos for several new applications based on more sustainable polyolefins from the Borealis Bornewables™, Borcycle™ C and Purpolen™ grade portfolios.
ENGEL live demo at FAKUMA 2023: Automotive interior trims made from Borcycle™ EE1300SY
© ENGEL
ARBURG live demo at FAKUMA 2023: Production of conical tubes by using Borealis copolymer
© ARBURG
Leading plastic processing machine manufacturer ARBURG distributed samples of thin wall packaging solutions, including a new container sample produced using their proprietary in-mold labeling (IML) injection compression molding technology, and based on Borealis BJ368MO, a high-flow polypropylene (PP) grade produced using Borstar® Nucleation Technology (BNT). Injection molding technology specialists Sumitomo (SHI) Demag processed also Borealis BJ368MO live at their stand to highlight new lightweight margarine lids that now feature more appealing decorative designs. Borealis customers can select to use BJ368MO in its Bornewables (renewably sourced) and Borcycle C (chemically recycled) versions.
ENGEL, a leader in production and automation of injection molding machines, showcased a production line of thin wall cups based on the high-flow block copolymer solution Borealis BJ998MO, which is also available in the Bornewables and Borcycle C versions.
Borealis partner Campetella Robotic Center, whose core business is the design and manufacture of robotic and automation systems for the plastic injection molding industry, used Purpolen PP Y55-71 in a live demonstration to produce more sustainable flower pots. The advantages of this high-quality, post-consumer recyclate (PCR) solution are clear: a fast-running application, with a cycle time of 3.4 seconds on a six-cavity mold.
“There’s no better occasion than FAKUMA to spread the word about advancements in injection molding as well as extrusion, foaming and thermoforming technologies,”
Florin Sabau, Borealis Global Commercial Director Rigid Packaging
“It is especially gratifying to see that many of these new products and solutions are increasingly circular. This underscores the importance of platforms like EverMinds™, which we created to accelerate plastics circularity by way of close cooperation with our value chain partners. This year’s event shows that such circularity efforts are already bearing fruit,” says Florin Sabau, Borealis Global Commercial Director Rigid Packaging.
Borealis and ENGEL employed an on-site production line to manufacture highly aesthetic, scratch-resistant and low-odor trims for automotive interiors using Borcycle M EE1300SY. This high impact, mineral-filled PP compound includes 30% PCR.
Nexeo Plastics presented together with Borealis an e-bike battery made using Fibremod™ FF311SF-6018, a halogen-free flame retardant PP compound; and a color matched interior trim made from Borealis EE1300SY-7254, a light beige colored PP compound containing 30% PCR. These materials fulfil stringent automotive emission, fogging and odor requirements.
ARBURG showcased the production of conical tubes used in Healthcare, made with our PP random copolymer Bormed™ RF825MO.