Appliances Newsletter

Promoting plastics circularity in appliances

New Borcycle™ recycling technology produces improved recyclate

Plastic has become an indispensable material in the appliances and many other industries, and for very good reason: plastic materials are lightweight, and offer safety, functionality, durability and unsurpassed versatility. Yet the amount of plastics used in the past fifty years has increased twentyfold. When insufficient effort is made to minimise waste, and to recover and recycle plastics, large amounts of waste is the result. In the appliances industry alone, around one million tonnes of plastic waste is generated each year. Borealis is leading industry efforts to rethink the future of plastics, and to move from the traditional linear model of “take-make-dispose” to a more circular approach. Three guiding principles govern our efforts to promote the principles of the circular economy:

  • Preserving and enhancing natural capital;
  • Circulating products, components and materials at their highest utility;
  • Generating as little waste and pollution as possible.

Ensuring the circularity of plastics requires enhancing material effectiveness through reuse, recycling and alternative feedstock in order to achieve better economic and environmental outcomes while continuing to harness the many benefits of this valuable material.

Borcycle MF1981SY: launch of new PCR grade for visible appliances part

Polyolefins circularity is getting an enormous boost thanks to the new Borealis technology, Borcycle, which turns polyolefin-based waste streams into high quality recyclate material. As a transformative technology, it complements the existing Borealis virgin polyolefins portfolio with a range of pioneering, circular solutions. It unites state-of-the-art technology with the profound Borealis polymer expertise gained over decades.

Borcycle MF1981SY is the first of several upcoming launches of recycled polyolefin (rPO) solutions made under the umbrella of the Borcycle™ technology. This compound is an especially valuable addition to our rPO portfolio because it is 10% talc-filled and 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.

Borcycle MF1981SY will be available to Borealis customers in Europe.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this truly sustainable solution to our European customers. Recyclates can save around 30% of CO2 emissions compared to virgin materials. We look forward to answering any questions you might have about this exciting new addition to our portfolio.” Gisela Lehner, Senior Application Marketing Manager Appliances

Borealis is the first raw material supplier to have published an industry paper for the appliances in support of the EU circular economy policy.

Download here our industry paper

We’d like to see you and show you our latest innovation. Please visit us at the K 2019, from 16 to 23 October 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. We will be show-casing a Bosch vacuum cleaner part made out of our Borcycle MF1981SY.

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