Technological watch

Borealis Starts Renewable Polypropylene Production at Kallo and Beringen

TAGS:  Green and Bioplastics    
Borealis has started to produce polypropylene (PP) based on Neste-produced renewable feedstock in its production facilities in Kallo and Beringen, Belgium. This marks the first time that Borealis has replaced fossil fuel-based feedstock in its large-scale commercial production of PP. The Belgian plants were recently awarded by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) organization with ISCC Plus certification for its renewable PP.
Value Chain Collaboration for Greater Circularity
Borealis and its upstream partner Neste are moving the industry closer to a circular economy of plastics thanks to the production start in December 2019 of renewable PP.
After producing renewable propane using its proprietary NEXBTL™ technology, Neste sells the renewable propane to the Borealis propane dehydrogenation plant in Kallo. Here it is converted to renewable propylene, then subsequently to renewable PP at Kallo and Beringen plants.
Taking its commitment to the next level for advancing the circular economy, Borealis once again furthers its EverMinds™ ambitions. This path breaking venture in sustainable production is being driven in close collaboration with upstream and downstream value chain partners such as Neste and Henkel. It also aligns with the Borealis aim to ensure that 100% of its consumer products are recyclable, reusable, or produced from renewable sources by 2025.
ISCC Plus Certification for the Renewable PP Produced
The recently finalized audits carried out by an independent third party have resulted in an ISCC Plus certification for the renewable PP produced at both Kallo and Beringen plants. This certification encompasses the entire value chain scope and verifies that the renewable feedstock used is certified as being 100% renewable and sustainably produced, including traceability to point of origin.
Renewable PP for Variety of Industries
Downstream partners from a variety of industries such as consumer packaging, automotive, healthcare, and appliance industries can now commercialize their end-use products with a lower carbon footprint based on renewable propylene and PP produced at Borealis’ Belgian plants. In response to increasing demand, Borealis is working with value chain partners to expand availability.
Producing renewable PP based on renewable feedstock for the first time in history is another concrete step towards a more sustainable carbon future,” says Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Innovation and Circular Economy Solutions. “Working closely with partners like Neste and Henkel, who share our EverMinds™ mind-set, is key to shaping a better tomorrow. Thinking circular means capitalizing on growth opportunities that accelerate the transformation to a circular economy.”
“It is great to see, for the first time in history, a propane dehydrogenation facility using renewable propane to replace fossil feedstock, enabling Borealis to produce mass balance certified renewable polypropylene for sustainability-focused brands like Henkel. This is an exceptional example of collaboration across the value chain making a positive sustainability impact in the polymers sector,' says Mercedes Alonso, executive vice president, renewable polymers and chemicals, Neste.



Publication date: 20/03/2020

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870292.