Borealis and Menshen, a Germany-headquartered expert in plastic closures and packaging systems, have collaborated on a series of 10 packaging closures based on Borealis’ Borcycle recycling technology, which is used to produce high-quality compounds based on recycled polyolefins for use in rigid packaging applications. The technology, which Borealis says is still evolving, draws on the company’s recycling and compounding expertise and on its proprietary Borstar multi-modal and nucleation technologies.
The present closures are targeted at laundry and home-care applications and include 2K solutions.
Menshen has a rigorous process in place to ensure that the quality of the post-consumer recycled (PCR) material selected for a closure fits with its required functionality.
The partners ultimately selected Borcycle UG522MO, a polypropylene compound made of 50% PCR content. The compound offers a potential reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15% when compared to use of comparable virgin PP. Its reliable and consistent quality make it ideal for rigid packaging applications; it offers a ready-made, drop-in solution with processability matching that of virgin polyolefin materials and is easily recycled in existing PCR streams.
“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,” said Ulrich Fleischer, Menshen Head of Sustainability.
“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,” concluded Meta Cigon, Borealis Marketing Manager Consumer Products.