BOREALIS AND RECLAY GROUP ESTABLISH A UNIQUE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO TACKLE THE CHALLENGE OF PLASTIC PACKAGING WASTE AND ITS RECYCLING

• The strategic partnership will combine the complementary strengths and capabilities of both players in the plastics recycling value-chain, starting with Germany
• The agreement secures plastic waste from Reclay for Borealis to convert and revalorise in high-quality recyclate materials
• EverMinds  in Practice: providing circular solutions to meet customer expectations and market demand

Borealis, one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and circular polyolefin solutions and a European market leader in base chemicals and fertilizers, and the Reclay Group, international experts in environmental and material recovery management, announce that they have joined forces to satisfy increasing market demand for the supply of recyclate material for use in high-end plastic applications.

This unique partnership will optimise the recycling value chain starting with Germany, one of the largest European recycling markets. The partnership further accelerates the transition to plastics circularity by enabling customers and other value chain partners to meet their own sustainability targets.

New partnership capitalises on strengths of downstream and upstream recycling expertise
The new agreement provides Borealis with access to a secure and steady supply of feedstock in the form of lightweight packaging (LWP) waste collected by Reclay’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in Germany.

The plastic packaging waste is then processed at Borealis’ own state-of-the-art recycling plants, thus extending the range of applications for which recycled plastics can be used. This in turn enables value chain partners, customers, and brand owners to meet recycling quotas and increase the volume of plastic recyclate used in products and applications.

“The reliable supply of high-quality recyclate is a prerequisite for a functioning circular economy,” explains Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Innovation & Technology and Circular Economy Solutions.

“Working together with the Reclay Group is a strategic step towards value chain integration in securing plastic waste feedstock and improving recyclability.  This will enable our customers and partners to achieve their circularity goals and reduce their overall carbon footprint, and at the same time underpins our Borealis journey towards more sustainable living.”

“We are proud to be working in partnership with an innovative and globally recognised company in the chemical industry moving into the future,” says Raffael A. Fruscio, Owner and Managing Director of the Reclay Group. “Borealis has state-of-the-art processes in the field of advanced recycling; we’ll jointly be setting a new standard in plastic recycling.”

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For more further details

Borealis and Reclay Group establish a unique strategic partnership  to tackle the challenge of plastic packaging waste and its recycling

• The strategic partnership will combine the complementary strengths and capabilities of
  both players in the plastics recycling value-chain, starting with Germany
• The agreement secures plastic waste from Reclay for Borealis to convert and revalorise
  in high-quality recyclate materials
• Everminds in  Practice: providing circular solutions to meet customer expectations and
  market demand

Borealis, one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and circular polyolefin solutions and a European market leader in base chemicals and fertilizers, and the Reclay Group, international experts in environmental and material recovery management, announce that they have joined forces to satisfy increasing market demand for the supply of recyclate material for use in high-end plastic applications. This unique partnership will optimise the recycling value chain starting with Germany, one of the largest European recycling markets. The partnership further accelerates the transition to plastics circularity by enabling customers and other value chain partners to meet their own sustainability targets. New partnership capitalises on strengths of downstream and upstream recycling expertise.

The new agreement provides Borealis with access to a secure and steady supply of feedstock in the form of lightweight packaging (LWP) waste collected by Reclay’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in Germany. The plastic packaging waste is then processed at Borealis’ own state-of-theart recycling plants, thus extending the range of applications for which recycled plastics can be used. This in turn enables value chain partners, customers, and brand owners to meet recycling quotas and increase the volume of plastic recyclate used in products and applications.

“The reliable supply of high-quality recyclate is a prerequisite for a functioning circular economy,” explains Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Innovation & Technology and Circular Economy Solutions. “Working together with the Reclay Group is a strategic step towards value chain integration in securing plastic waste feedstock and improving recyclability. This will enable our customers and partners to achieve their circularity goals and reduce their overall carbon footprint, and at the same time underpins our Borealis journey towards more sustainable living.”

“We are proud to be working in partnership with an innovative and globally recognised company in the
chemical industry moving into the future,” says Raffael A. Fruscio, Owner and Managing Director of the
Reclay Group. “Borealis has state-of-the-art processes in the field of advanced recycling; we’ll jointly be
setting a new standard in plastic recycling.”

Further information:
www.borealisgroup.com
www.borealiseverminds.com
https://reclay-group.com

Tad McGwire Named Chairman of Plastics Industry Association

Washington, D.C.-The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced the election of Tad McGwire as Chairman of the Board. McGwire is CEO and owner of Industrial heater corp , a recognized leader in the process heating industry, and brings nearly four decades of manufacturing experience to his new role.

“As the only association that represents the entire plastics supply chain, we’re thrilled to have Tad as our Chairman,” said Tony Radoszewski, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “With thirty-plus years as an active member of PLASTICS and as past Chairman of our flagship event, NPE: The Plastics Show, Tad brings first-hand knowledge of the needs of our members and the opportunities and challenges of our vibrant industry.”

“I’m excited to take on the responsibilities as Chairman,” said McGwire, “and expect to work closely with Tony to rally our industry in these unprecedented times. As an industry, we don’t need to apologize for developing life-changing materials, but we do need to recognize the impact our materials have on the environment and take a leadership role in finding solutions.”

McGwire, who holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and an M.B.A. from University of Chicago, began his career as founder of Phoenix Lighting Products. In 1991, he moved into the President’s role at Industrial Heater Corp. He has served in various leadership positions within the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) since 2005.

In addition to his role as Chairman, McGwire also serves on the association’s NPE2024 Executive Committee.

Jörg Krüger appointed CEO of Synova

  Synova, an advanced technology company focused on production of high value chemicals such as olefins and BTX from waste, announced today the appointment of Jörg Krüger as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Krüger brings with him substantial experience and a strong network in the chemical industry spanning over 30 years with Bayer, GE Bayer Silicones, Momentive Performance Materials, Orion Engineered Carbons and Compo Expert. He has a track record of building large chemical plants with EPC contractors and optimising chemical processes via developing operational excellence with global teams he led.

As CEO of Synova Jörg Krüger will play a key role in Synova’s transition from demonstrating the technology at industrial scale to commercial roll out of the technology, an area where he brings extensive expertise. Jörg will be based in Maassluis where he will lead the planning, execution and evaluation of the Synova strategy.

Jörg Krüger said: “I am passionate about the need to transform the industry from linear to circular and thrilled to join the Synova team on their journey to Plastic Circularity 2.0. I am looking forward to work with our partners in the value chain to make a large contribution to the sustainability of the industries we serve. I am convinced Synova’s technology will prove to be a differentiator in terms of much needed feedstock flexibility and significantly reduced CO 2 -emissions.”

Ibrahim Al Husseini, Chairman of the Synova Board of Directors said: “We are thrilled to have Jörg join our Synova team as the new CEO. He brings a wealth of industry experience both in the chemical as well as the private equity space. The timing is perfect with Synova gearing up its efforts to demonstrate and commercialize its advantaged process technology, now widely recognized by the industry.”

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Borealis appoints Dirk Langhammer as Vice President Strategy & Group Development

Borealis announces the appointment of Dirk Langhammer (42) as Vice President Strategy & Group
Development effective 1 January 2022. Dirk succeeds Tom Asselman, who will move to OMV in the role
of Vice President Strategic Planning & Projects.

Dirk Langhammer joins Borealis from OMV where he has held various positions since 2013, including Head of In-house Consulting and Head of Business Development Middle East & Asia in Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining OMV, Dirk worked at McKinsey & Company in Germany and Australia. Most recently, he has held the position of OMV Vice President Business Transformation, shaping the OMV Refining transformation in the areas of Hydrogen, e-Fuels and Advanced Biofuels.

Dirk Langhammer holds a PhD in natural sciences from the University of Augsburg in Germany and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration from the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. He is a German national, married and the father of three children.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dirk to Borealis,” comments Borealis CEO Thomas Gangl. “Dirk brings a lot of experience in business development and transformation. With his leadership, he will further drive our Strategy & Group Development, addressing the transition of our industry towards sustainable solutions.”

“At the same time, I would like to thank Tom Asselman for his outstanding contribution in various
positions during his long career at Borealis.”

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Moorfields patient receives world’s first 3D printed eye

STACKTECK INVESTS IN CAPACITY– REACHING A MILESTONE OF 8000 MACHINING HOURS PER WEEK

Solvay to Collaborate with Trillium on Bio- Based Acrylonitrile for Carbon Fiber Applications

New agreement with Trillium Renewable Chemicals will enable Solvay’s development of sustainable, bio-carbon fiber for use in various applications.

Solvay and Trillium Renewable Chemicals have signed a letter of intent to develop the supply chain for bio-
based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN). Trillium will supply Solvay with bio-ACN from Trillium’s planned commercial asset, and Solvay will evaluate bio-ACN for carbon fiber manufacturing as part of its long-term commitment to developing sustainable solutions from bio-based or recylcled sources.The aim of this partnership is to produce
carbon fiber for use in various applications such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer goods.

Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate typically made from petroleum-based feedstocks like propylene and is
the primary raw material used in the production of carbon fiber. Trillium’s Bio-ACNTM process delivers
acrylonitrile from plant-based feedstocks like glycerol with a lower carbon footprint.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Trillium which aligns well with our Solvay One Planet commitment to more than double our revenue based on renewable or recycled materials by 2030,” comments Stephen Heinz,head of composite research & innovation, Solvay.

Innovation partnerships such as this are driven by a desire to make a real-world sustainability impact. Bio-based feedstocks are a key part of Solvay’s sustainability strategy, and we look forward to being a consumer of bio-ACN from Trillium’s first bio-based acrylonitrile plant.”

“Trillium’s bio-ACN process technology enables bio-carbon fiber,” explains Corey Tyree, CEO of Trillium. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Solvay, who have supported the bio-ACN process technology development since 2014. Solvay is a leader in the most rapidly-growing acrylonitrile segment (carbon fiber)
and are market leaders in bio-carbon fiber and sustainable development.”

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TÜV Austria certifies Constantia Flexibles’ EcoPressoLid

EcoPressoLid, a lidding material for coffee capsules, has been awarded “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria CERT GmbH. Thus, it is Constantia Flexibles’ first certified compostable product. A milestone for the flexible packaging producer and a game-changer for coffee suppliers who focus on more sustainable and convenient products.

High barrier to oxygen, high sealability for a compostable coffee capsule, suitable for conventional capsule-closing machines, and remarkable coffee brewing performance – these are the main characteristics of Constantia Flexibles’ new capsule lidding. The specific structure of EcoPressoLid is paper-based and provides an outstanding oxygen barrier. The material can be used to close both – the top and the bottom of the capsules.

Compost quality

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 30 percent of plastic packaging (by weight) needs a fundamental redesign before reusing or recycling. In 2018 Constantia Flexibles launched the more sustainable product range Ecolutions. The company’s approach is to provide solutions that are recyclable or compostable. EcoPressoLid belongs to the Ecolutions product range and is compostable.

Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, fully biodegrade the lid under industrial composting conditions in less than six months. It disintegrates into small pieces in less than three months. The result does not deteriorate the compost quality. Tests have also shown that there is no interference with the growth of plants. This was the basis and prerequisite for the certification “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria (Technical Inspection Agency), which is an association that carries out technical safety inspections.

“The certification underlines the high-quality standards of our products, but more importantly, their return to the cycle by means of organic recovery,” says Gerwin Schalk, Head of Business Development Ecolutions at Constantia Flexibles.

High demand for sustainable solutions

With an annual growth rate* of 7.07 percent, the market for coffee capsules has high potential. Therefore, the demand and urgency to offer more sustainable solutions are also increasing. Constantia Flexibles developed EcoPressoLid in collaboration with selected capsule producers and machine manufacturers. Now the next generation of lids has arrived. “With EcoPressoLid, we meet customer expectations by offering a compostable, convenient solution with high barrier properties and therefore a high quality,” explains Paolo Battiston, Product Manager Coffee Capsule Solutions at Constantia Flexibles. “The strong interest of brands all over the world shows us that we are on the right track,” Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles on the business development.

EcoPressoLid, a lidding material for coffee capsules, has been awarded “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria CERT GmbH. Thus, it is Constantia Flexibles’ first certified compostable product. A milestone for the flexible packaging producer and a game-changer for coffee suppliers who focus on more sustainable and convenient products.

High barrier to oxygen, high sealability for a compostable coffee capsule, suitable for conventional capsule-closing machines, and remarkable coffee brewing performance – these are the main characteristics of Constantia Flexibles’ new capsule lidding. The specific structure of EcoPressoLid is paper-based and provides an outstanding oxygen barrier. The material can be used to close both – the top and the bottom of the capsules.

Compost quality

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 30 percent of plastic packaging (by weight) needs a fundamental redesign before reusing or recycling. In 2018 Constantia Flexibles launched the more sustainable product range Ecolutions. The company’s approach is to provide solutions that are recyclable or compostable. EcoPressoLid belongs to the Ecolutions product range and is compostable. Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, fully biodegrade the lid under industrial composting conditions in less than six months.

It disintegrates into small pieces in less than three months. The result does not deteriorate the compost quality. Tests have also shown that there is no interference with the growth of plants. This was the basis and prerequisite for the certification “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria (Technical Inspection Agency), which is an association that carries out technical safety inspections. “The certification underlines the high-quality standards of our products, but more importantly, their return to the cycle by means of organic recovery,” says Gerwin Schalk, Head of Business Development Ecolutions at Constantia Flexibles.

High demand for sustainable solutions

With an annual growth rate* of 7.07 percent, the market for coffee capsules has high potential. Therefore, the demand and urgency to offer more sustainable solutions are also increasing. Constantia Flexibles developed EcoPressoLid in collaboration with selected capsule producers and machine manufacturers. Now the next generation of lids has arrived.

“With EcoPressoLid, we meet customer expectations by offering a compostable, convenient solution with high barrier properties and therefore a high quality,” explains Paolo Battiston, Product Manager Coffee Capsule Solutions at Constantia Flexibles. “The strong interest of brands all over the world shows us that we are on the right track,” Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles on the business development.

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AeroFlexx Awarded the “Made for Recycling” Seal From Interseroh

Aeroflexx announced  that it has been awarded the “Made for Recycling” seal from Interseroh for the AeroFlexx liquid package, a flexible construct which contains an air frame that provides rigid qualities throughout the entire package lifecycle. AeroFlexx is one of the first packages to receive the “Made for Recycling” designation for the multiple countries across Europe that offer recycling for rigid polyethylene packaging, meaning consumers have the convenience of recycling AeroFlexx packages just like other widely recycled polyethylene (PE) bottles.

As a recycling specialist, Interseroh , part of the Alba group, is involved in all stages of the packaging cycle, from licensing and collection to sorting and processing plastics. The “Made for Recycling” designation was established by Interseroh in partnership with the German bifa environmental institute, who came up with a set of criteria for recycling with a maximum of 20 possible points. Fraunhofer IVV affirmed the assessment method. Only products achieving 18 points or higher achieve the “Made for Recycling” title. AeroFlexx packaging received a 19 out of 20 rating from Interseroh.

Achieving recyclability recognition through Interseroh is just the first of many steps AeroFlexx is taking to ensure AeroFlexx packages are compatible with the recycling systems in both Europe and the Americas. And while recyclability is important to ensure customers and brands can achieve their circularity goals, that is not the only environmental attribute the AeroFlexx liquid package affords. The liquid package is significantly lighter than its competitors, reducing the amount of plastic used by at least 50% with the ability to incorporate recycled content for further reduction in virgin plastic use. These environmental benefits can afford brands the ability to not just close the loop and meet their circularity goals, but also accelerate progress toward greenhouse gas reduction and also reduce waste to landfills.

“AeroFlexx is honored to be recognized as ‘Made for Recycling,’” said Andrew Meyer, CEO of AeroFlexx. Our commitment to a cultural economy  is to proactively engage the industry to create an ecosystem whereby no AeroFlexx package ends up in the environment. This designation recognizes the collective commitment and effort across the entire AeroFlexx team as we believe we have an unwavering obligation to our customers, society and future generations to do our part to reduce environmental impacts without compromise on performance or the consumer experience.”

Interseroh notes that the term “recyclability” is understood to mean the extent to which the materials used to manufacture the product can be returned to the material loop at the end of the product’s useful life and therefore close the material loop. Interseroh utilizes a three-stage points system. In the first stage, it is determined whether the consumer can assign the packaging to the right collection system without any problems. In the second stage, how the packaging performs during the sorting process is assessed. In the third stage, an evaluation takes place as to how suitable the packaging is for recycling, and to determine if design features such as labels, colors or barriers make the recycling process more difficult.

https://aeroflexx.com/