Borealis has teamed up with Finnish dairy producer Valio to create a recycled packaging solution for its yogurt brand, Valio Kreikkalainen Jogurtti. By incorporating Borealis’ Borcycle C grade into the thermoforming process, Valio enhances the circularity of its yogurt packaging.

Source: PackagingInsights

In response to the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which emphasizes the need for increased post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and enhanced recyclability, Valio aimed to develop a circular packaging solution that meets regulatory requirements while striving for a carbon-neutral milk value chain by 2035.

The PPWR mandates specific targets for recycled content in packaging materials. By 2030, plastic packaging must contain a minimum percentage of PCR plastic, depending on the end-use application. For example, 10% is required in food packaging applications based on polyolefins. Chemically recycled PP can help manufacturers meet these targets by providing high-quality recycled material that can be used in new packaging.

_{Peter Voortmans, vice president of marketing consumer products at Borealis, tells Packaging Insights}

Promoting Circularity

Borealis’ Borcycle C HC205TF serves as a direct substitute for traditional fossil-based polypropylene (PP). The outcome of this partnership is a yogurt cup made up of 30% recycled PP, derived from Borcycle C HC205TF, and 70% virgin PP.

Neste then upgrades this into virgin-quality plastic feedstock at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. At the Borealis steam cracker in Porvoo, Finland, the chemically recycled feedstock obtained from Neste is used to produce the fully recycled (mass balance approach) PP grade Borcycle C HC205TF.

_{Peter Voortmans, vice president of marketing consumer products at Borealis, tells Packaging Insights}

Innovations in Thermoforming

Borealis’ Borcycle C HC205TF is reported to provide the same mechanical strength and shelf life performance as conventional materials.

Thermoforming PP solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of food packaging in the industry. The process involves heating a plastic sheet until it becomes pliable and then forming it into specific shapes using molds. This technology supports the production of thinner plastics, reducing material waste.

_{Peter Voortmans, vice president of marketing consumer products at Borealis, tells Packaging Insights}