Replacing single-use plastic: Borealis and Bockatech partner reusable and recyclable materials

26 Sep 2018 --- Aiming to develop reusable and recyclable foam injection molding solutions, Borealis, a provider of solutions in polyolefins, is partnering with Bockatech, a UK based provider of EcoCore technology for sustainable packaging. As the number of bans on single-use plastics continues to grow, particularly in the food and beverage industries, market demand for reusable and more easily recyclable replacement solutions is rising.

The open-innovation agreement hopes to accelerate the development of Bockatech’s technology, broadening the platform so that it can be licensed to more manufacturing partners in a variety of markets for multiple applications.

“As strong advocates for the circular economy within our industry, we at Borealis are eager to partner with pioneering firms like Bockatech to develop polyolefins-based solutions that are reusable and recyclable,” says Andreas Leitner, Borealis Head of New Business Development.

“Combining our foam products with EcoCore technology to produce innovative, lightweight solutions is more than an exciting business opportunity: it’s a real step forward for more circularity in packaging,” he adds.

The patented EcoCore solution, in combination with Borealis grades BH381MO and Daploy WB140HMS, is touted as an eco-friendly way to produce high-performance packaging that is reusable and recyclable. Foamed moldings that use EcoCore require less material and have faster cycle times to reduce material costs, energy use and environmental impact. Investment costs for new equipment are also minimal.

Reusable and recyclable end products made using EcoCore feature high strength and a smooth surface finish ready for printing, according to the company. The foam core also offers insulation and is lightweight. Their high strength also makes them ideal for deposit return schemes that have been proven to deliver material recovery rates of up to 94 percent and reduce the likelihood of plastics entering the marine environment. As mono-material packaging, EcoCore solutions are 100 percent recyclable.

“We’re delighted to have found in Borealis a partner who shares our commitment to developing new solutions for innovative packaging with reduced environmental impact,” says Chris Bocking, CEO and founder of Bockatech.

“Combining our EcoCore technology with Borealis materials and expertise in foam will produce viable new applications which offer significant benefits for businesses, consumers and the environment.”

Borealis recently acquired the Austrian plastics recycler Ecoplast Kunststoffrecycling GmbH (Ecoplast). The move hopes to set Borealis in a strong position in the expanding recycled PO market, which it expects to grow substantially by 2021.

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