Borealis and Borouge Introduce Automotive Items Crafted from Post-Consumer Recycled PP

Borouge, an UAE-based company and a collaboration between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has introduced a range of novel polypropylene (PP) products targeted at the automotive sector. These innovative products are crafted using up to 70% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, signaling a significant stride towards sustainable manufacturing practices.

The initial offering in this new line incorporates 50% PCR material, resulting in a remarkable 28% reduction in carbon footprint when compared to traditional virgin-grade materials. This PP solution offers enhanced performance attributes, improved processability, and an extended capacity to withstand heat over time. This particular formulation finds its ideal application in components such as under-body shields, bumper brackets, and structural elements within vehicles.

The second solution unveiled by Borouge's initiative combines a blend of up to 70% PCR materials. Engineered with the purpose of manufacturing wheel arches and other exterior components, this solution manages to achieve a commendable 32% decrease in carbon footprint compared to materials derived from virgin sources. This innovative formulation strikes a harmonious balance between impact strength and stiffness, ensuring the required structural integrity for automotive applications.

Crucially, these newly introduced sustainable components represent the pioneering output from Borouge's Compounding Manufacturing Plant located in Shanghai, China. Of significance, this facility has recently been awarded the ISO 14067 certification, a credential that outlines the prerequisites necessary for companies to quantify the carbon footprint associated with their products at every phase of their life cycle. The rigorous carbon footprint assessment has been officially certified by TÜV Rheinland, a leading independent provider of technical services.

These PP solutions are underpinned by Borealis' proprietary Borstar technology, which allows for meticulous customization and balancing of compounded attributes, catering to the specific performance requirements of each application. In the automotive realm, these PP compounds present a compelling alternative to traditional materials such as metal. Their advantages lie in being lighter in weight, easier to work with during the manufacturing process, and affording greater design flexibility.

Eddie Wang, Senior Vice President of Asia South at Borouge, aptly points out, "The escalating demand for inventive mobility solutions has magnified the importance of sustainability within the automotive industry." In direct response, Borouge's customer base is actively exploring avenues to integrate sustainable polyolefin solutions into their latest vehicle models.

Borouge's commitment to advancements in mobility applications traces back to its establishment of the Shanghai facility in 2010. Originally commencing with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes, the plant has since expanded exponentially to support an impressive 80% growth in capacity, now reaching an annual production capability of 90,000 tonnes. This expansion underscores Borouge's dedication to meeting the evolving demands of the market for sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions in the automotive sector.