Leading European polyolefin manufacturer Borealis AG has issued a 10-item Design for Recyclability code for polyolefin packaging designers to promote circular economy and recyclability.
The Vienna, Austria-based company said the blueprint was based on ‘its extensive know-how of polyolefins and the expertise of its mtm and Ecoplast plastics recycling entities.
The code provides "critical guidelines [on] how to maximise the quality and quantity of packaging materials that can be recycled, while at the same time supporting the achievement of recycling targets and contributing to a more sustainable transition to a circular economy,” Borealis said.
The move is in line with voluntary commitments by brand owners to develop 100% recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging solutions by 2025.
This code will help designers develop packaging materials that can be "successfully recycled and used again in either the same application or other products,” Borealis added.
Underscoring the company's commitment to contributing to a more circular approach, it is also drawing attention to the problem of marine waste, and how recycling can offer a solution, with an artwork in the foyer of its Innovation Headquarters in Linz. Saba Tsereteli and Claire Chaulet of the Berlin-based artists network Artistania created the larger-than-life installation depicting the skeleton of a huge fish, filled to the gills with plastic waste. Below the sculpture, ant-like creatures can be seen carrying single-use plastic items away for recycling
This installation is specifically on display to stimulate awareness and to promote discussion about the issue of marine litter and plastic debris.
"At the same time, it also points to what Borealis is doing to alleviate the problem. We can address the negative image of plastics by offering viable solutions like recycling,” Alfred Stern, Borealis CEO, said.
Polyolefins (PE and PP) are an ideal material for designing flexible and rigid packaging that can be recycled and the new Design for Recyclability Code (DfR) developed by the company “help our partners and customers navigate the relatively new and complex field of Design for Recycling in Polyolefins”. This DfR Code is an essential tool for delivering to market plastic packaging, with the right functionalities, yet also, helps conserve natural resources and minimise waste (including product waste) disposal or incineration and littering.