Borealis partners EU-funded project electro for electrified chemical recycling of plastics

AUSTRIA – Borealis has joined Project Electro, an EU-funded consortium developing electrified thermochemical recycling technologies to convert low-quality plastic waste into high-purity raw materials.

The initiative brings together universities, including Ghent University in Belgium, research institutes, and industry partners to create processes that use renewable electricity rather than fossil fuels. 

These methods target mixed waste streams, such as multilayer packaging and contaminated plastics, turning them into olefins like ethylene and propylene.

According to a company statement, the approach aims for up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. 

Borealis contributes by testing full-range pyrolysis oil and its fractions, optimizing mixtures for steam cracking, and applying prefractionation along with advanced filtration for better efficiency.

Manjunath Patil, senior engineer for innovation and technology at Borealis, stated: “We’re committed to scaling circular solutions through innovation and strong partnerships.”

“Together with our Electro partners, we’re proving how electrified chemical recycling can turn challenging waste streams into valuable resources for a circular economy.”

Project coordinator Kevin Van Geem, professor at Ghent University, noted that the effort combines scientific research with practical testing and draws on related initiatives for broader impact.

In related developments, Borealis continues to expand its recycling efforts in regions focused on waste management. 

A report highlights the company’s earlier partnership with Ecopost in Kenya, where funding supports collection and recycling of plastic waste into products like lumber, advancing circular practices aligned with global sustainability goals.

Additionally, this month Borealis and joint venture partner Borouge introduced Recleo, a new global brand for mechanically recycled polyolefins. 

Recleo offers cost-effective grades from post-industrial and post-consumer sources, suitable for various applications and designed to complement premium lines while increasing recycled content in products.

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