Borealis launches innovative recycled polyethylene for flexible packaging

AUSTRIA – Borealis, a global leader in polyolefin solutions, has introduced Borcycle™ M CWT120CL, a new recycled linear low-density polyethylene (rLLDPE) grade designed to support circularity in non-food flexible packaging applications.

The advanced material contains 85% post-consumer recyclate (PCR) blended with 15% LLDPE booster, representing the latest innovation from Borealis’ proprietary mechanical recycling technology.

Specifically engineered for blown film applications, Borcycle M CWT120CL is suitable for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, including stretch film, stretch hoods, and protective films used in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

According to Borealis, this new grade significantly lowers the carbon footprint of finished products, helping customers meet stringent sustainability targets and comply with evolving regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Developed in collaboration with Ecoplast, a Borealis Group member, Borcycle M CWT120CL is the result of over two years of development work initiated in late 2022. The product will be commercially available starting January 2025.

Key performance features include excellent stretchability, low gel content, and a balanced combination of toughness and stiffness—ensuring durability without compromising performance.

“With its impressive 85% post-consumer recyclate content, this new rLLDPE grade represents a major step on the path to a circular economy for plastics,” said Peter Voortmans, Commercial Director, Borealis Consumer Products Flexibles.

“Borcycle M CWT120CL enables our customers to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining the performance required for demanding packaging applications. It’s another example of how we’re reinventing essentials for sustainable living.”

The launch follows Borealis’ recent introduction of HC609TF, a high-stiffness polypropylene homopolymer tailored for modern packaging needs.

HC609TF offers excellent transparency and processability, making it ideal for high-efficiency thermoforming applications such as trays, cups, and containers used across food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors.

Borealis highlights that HC609TF enables up to 10% faster cycle times and is fully recyclable via both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

This supports the development of reusable packaging structures that minimize waste and resource use.

Headquartered in Vienna, Borealis operates in over 120 countries and employs approximately 6,000 people.

The company continues to drive innovation in sustainable polyolefins (PO), underscoring its commitment to circularity through advancements in recycled plastics and packaging technologies.

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