Borouge expands mechanical recycling capacity in Europe

Borouge International has announced investments to expand mechanical recycling capacity at its sites in Niedergebra, Germany, and Wildon, Austria. The projects are intended to address growing customer demand for mechanically recycled polyolefins produced in Europe and improve access to circular materials. According to the company, demand is being driven by brand preferences, changing regulatory requirements, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and the need to strengthen supply resilience.

At Borouge International Niedergebra, formerly mtm plastics, annual production capacity for recycled mixed polyolefin materials, referred to as rPO, will increase by close to 9 kt. The facility processes mixed post-consumer polyolefin waste into recycled materials intended for a broad range of rigid applications. The additional capacity is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027.

Borouge International Wildon, formerly Ecoplast, will increase its annual recycled polyethylene, rPE, output by up to 5 kt. The additional capacity is scheduled to come on stream in the fourth quarter of 2027. It will primarily support demand for recycled materials used in flexible packaging applications.

European recycling portfolio

The two investments complement Borouge International's existing European mechanical recycling operations. Its Elin Pelin facility in Bulgaria produces more than 20 kt of post-consumer recycled polypropylene, rPP, grades annually. Together, the sites provide recycling capabilities covering flexible PE, rigid PP and mixed polyolefin waste streams.

Outside Europe, Borouge International supplies PE film grades from the Syndigo plant in Indiana, United States. In Asia, the company works with a portfolio of recycled material suppliers.

"Circular materials are a strategic resource for Europe and around the world, not only to meet sustainability and regulatory requirements, but also to strengthen industrial competitiveness, brand differentiation and supply resilience," said Dirk Langhammer, Senior Vice President Circular Solutions at Borouge International.

"The investments in our European recycling platform give an even larger range of customers more reliable access to circular polyolefin solutions, from premium Borcycle grades to fit-for-purpose Recleo materials tailored to diverse applications," Langhammer added.

Borouge International will present further information about its circular materials offering at Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 12 to 16 October, in hall A4 at stand A4-4222.