Austrian plastics producer Borealis has commissioned a new compounding plant for recycled polyolefins (rPO) at its site in Beringen, Belgium. The facility, which supplies high-quality polyolefin solutions for demanding applications, is now operating at full capacity, according to the company. Plans for the construction of the semi-commercial demonstration plant were first announced in June 2024.
The new plant processes post-consumer plastic waste using Borealis's proprietary Borcycle M mechanical recycling technology and combines recyclate with primary material to produce rigid polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) compounds. These are intended to meet the quality standards for use in demanding applications in the mobility, consumer goods, household appliance and energy sectors.
"This installation is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a clear commitment to our customers," said Craig Arnold, executive vice president polyolefins, base chemicals and circular economy solutions at Borealis. "By expanding access to high-quality recyclate-based materials, we’re enabling our partners to accelerate their circular transformation."
According to Borealis, the Beringen site can process a wide range of recyclate flakes, allowing the company to respond flexibly to customer needs. The plant also serves as a platform which enables customers to co-develop and test new solutions involving the use of recycled plastics in high-end applications.
With the new production line, Borealis said that it was strengthening its position in the circular economy for plastics. The company views the Beringen line as complementary to the its recent acquisitions of recycling firms Rialti and Integra Plastics, both of which were completed during the past two years.
