Borealis and MENSHEN, a leading
specialist for plastic closures and packaging systems, have collaborated on a
series of 10 packaging closures based on Borcycle, an evolving recycling
technology which transforms polyolefin-based waste streams into value-adding versatile
solutions. It is used to manufacture a range of compounds made of recycled
polyolefins (rPO) which are ideal for use in sophisticated rigid packaging
applications. This evolving technology unites the Borealis recycling and
compounding expertise with its own Borstar multi-modal and nucleation
technologies. These packaging solutions are predominantly made for use in
laundry and homecare and include also 2K closures.
MENSHEN employs a rigorous process to ensure that the quality of the post-consumer
recycled (PCR) material selected for a closure is in perfect alignment with its
required functionality. In the course of collaboration, Borealis and MENSHEN
determined that Borcycle UG522MO, a polypropylene (PP) compound made of 50% PCR
content, would be the ideal choice for the new closures, as it offers:
- Potential reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 15% when compared to use of comparable virgin PP in similarly demanding packaging solutions
- Reliable and consistent high quality, making it ideal for rigid packaging applications
- A ready-made, drop-in solution with processability rivalling virgin polyolefins
- Excellent end-of-life recyclability in existing PCR streams.
“A core pillar of the Borealis
EverMinds mind-set is that value chain collaboration is essential to
making plastics more circular,” says Meta Cigon, Borealis Marketing Manager
Consumer Products. “Teaming up with MENSHEN to deliver high-quality closures
made of 50% recycled PCR is proof positive that innovation and teamwork can
move the industry closer to a circular economy. We are helping build a better
tomorrow with each step by reinventing for more sustainable living.”
“The functionality of a closure may be affected by natural variations in PCR
materials. By leveraging our respective areas of expertise, MENSHEN and
Borealis can determine which ratios of recyclate and virgin material are
appropriate for which applications,” explains Ulrich Fleischer, MENSHEN Head of
Sustainability. “We are pleased to collaborate with Borealis in fulfilling growing
demand among our own customers as well as retailers and end consumers for a
broader spectrum of sustainable, yet high-quality packaging options.”
www.borealisgroup.com / www.menshen.com
