Technological watch

Borealis and Neste to begin a strategic co-operation to produce renewable polypropylene (PP) by the end of 2019. The co-operation will enable Borealis to start using Neste’s 100 percent renewable propane produced with Neste’s proprietary NEXBTL™ technology.
New Milestone in Bio-based Polypropylene
Neste offers bio-based alternatives to conventional fossil-based feedstock to be used in the production of polymers and chemicals. Neste’s NEXBTL technology can utilize nearly any bio-based oil or fat as raw material, including lower-quality waste and residue oils to produce various premium-quality renewable products.
Borealis will use Neste’s renewable propane, produced in Rotterdam, at its facilities in Belgium to create an entire portfolio of applications based on renewable polypropylene. This marks the first time that Borealis will be using bio-based feedstock to partially replace fossil feedstock in commercial production of polypropylene. It will also be the first time ever that renewable propane dehydrogenation is carried out at an industrial scale. The high-quality product will offer the same excellent product properties as conventional polypropylene and is fully recyclable.
To Reduce Use of Fossil-fuel Based Feedstocks
Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Innovation & Technology and Circular Economy Solutions, commented, “Using renewable feedstocks produced primarily from waste and residue streams is a major contribution to reducing our reliance on fossil-fuel based feedstocks.”
“Through co-operation with Neste we can offer our customers and partners a new portfolio of renewable -PP solutions, helping them to make their offering more climate friendly. True to our ™ approach, we are a frontrunner in helping build a circular economy for plastics. Borealis will not only help protect the environment, but also build a business fit for the future.”
Mercedes Alonso, Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals, Neste, said, “Polymers and chemicals industries will play a major role in the fight against climate change. It is, therefore, very satisfying to see the industry change starting to happen towards more sustainable, climate-friendlier feedstock alternatives.”
“We are eager to help forerunner companies like Borealis to start replacing fossil-based feedstock with renewable ones. This new step is a meaningful contribution towards creating a healthier planet for our children.”
Sander Defruyt, Lead of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy initiative, commented, “Following its earlier commitment to scale its offer of recycled plastics, it is great to see Borealis continue to gradually shift its core business away from the consumption of fossil resources by producing renewable-based plastics.”