FDA greenlights Borealis’ Borcycle M for food-grade packaging applications

USA – Borealis has secured two letters of no objection (LNO) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of specific grades of its Borcycle M post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in food-grade packaging.

This approval underscores Borealis’ unwavering commitment to providing value-added solutions that contribute to the circular economy. Borcycle M, Borealis’ mechanical recycling technology, efficiently repurposes post-consumer plastic waste.

The FDA’s LNOs pave the way for the use of Borcycle M-derived materials in a variety of sensitive applications, including food contact, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Specifically, the FDA has granted LNOs permitting the use of Borcycle M PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in certain dry food contact applications at levels of up to 100%.

Additionally, these materials can constitute up to 10% of packaging for dry foods with surface oil as well as moist bakery products.

Effective from January and February 2024 respectively, these LNOs are applicable only in regions under FDA jurisdiction, such as the US.

However, in the European Union (EU), this clearance will facilitate discussions regarding the use of these materials in high-end and contact-sensitive packaging sectors such as personal care and cosmetics.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Borealis’ EverMinds initiative, aimed at enhancing plastics circularity.

The FDA’s approval is expected to contribute to reducing plastic waste in incineration and landfills, decreasing reliance on virgin materials, and meeting the growing demand for recycled materials in demanding and sensitive applications.

Looking ahead, Borealis is poised to advance the development of food packaging applications utilizing recycled HDPE and PP.

Jonatas Melo, Vice President of Borealis Performance Materials, commented, “Our customers will be empowered to expand their use of value-added, recycled plastics within their portfolios.

“Combined with all of Borealis’ other sustainable offerings, this FDA clearance of selected grades of our Borcycle M portfolio for food-grade applications will assist them in achieving their sustainability goals and propel us toward a fully circular economy for plastics.”

In a recent collaboration, Borealis and AKVA group unveiled a groundbreaking workboat hull crafted from renewable plastic, representing a pivotal advancement in marine technology’s journey towards circularity.

cheduled for unveiling in Mo i Rana, Norway, in Spring 2024, this development signifies a significant stride towards sustainable practices in the maritime industry.

Utilizing Borealis’ portfolio of renewable polyolefins, AKVA group now offers boats with a substantially reduced carbon footprint.

These materials, known as Bornewables, derive from renewable sources like used cooking oil. Despite their sustainable origin, Bornewables maintain the same high-performance standards as virgin plastics, effectively decoupling material performance from fossil-based feedstock.

The hull, crafted from Borealis BorSafe™ HE3490-LS-HW grade, comprises 90% renewable content based on a Mass Balance approach.

This approach results in an estimated reduction of 1.9kg of CO2 equivalent emissions for every kilogram of polyolefin produced, compared to its fossil-based counterpart.

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