Borealis introduced Borcycle™ GD3600SY, a glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compound with 65 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer content. It will first be used in automotive interiors in a landmark project delivered in partnership with Plastivaloire, a thermoplastic injection specialist and Tier 1 supplier to the automotive sector, and Stellantis, an OEM and the owner of 14 automotive brands.
Borcycle GD3600SY is part of the Borcycle™ M portfolio of mechanically recycled polyolefins for demanding applications. It contains 30 percent glass fibers, meaning that almost the entire polymer fraction of the product is made from post-consumer recycled PP. It will initially be used in center console carriers for the new Peugeot 3008, marking the first instance of a compound with 65 percent PCR PP being used in series production for large automotive interior applications.
This development proactively addresses the expected requirements of the forthcoming European End-of-Life Vehicles regulation. This stipulates that 25 percent of the plastic used in new vehicles must come from recycled sources, with a clear focus on mechanical and post-consumer recycling. Given that polypropylene accounts for about one-third of the plastic in cars, compounds like Borcycle GD3600SY will play a critical role in achieving these circularity goals.
Historically, mechanically recycled plastics from post-consumer waste streams have been of low and inconsistent quality, making them unsuitable for demanding automotive applications. However, advanced recycling technologies like Borcycle M have overcome these limitations: By combining sorting, cleaning, and extrusion steps, it converts household waste streams into high-quality PCR polymers that meet the demanding standards of the automotive industry while also advancing circularity.
“Developed and manufactured in France, the center console structure of the new Peugeot 3008, produced with Borealis’ new Borcycle M GD3600SY grade, is a major step towards a more sustainable automotive industry. Our participation in the 2024 Plastic Recycling Europe award underlines Plastivaloire’s commitment to sustainability and circularity,” said Dominique Manceau, innovation director at Plastivaloire.
As the mobility industry evolves, Borealis continues to deliver innovation where it counts and is more sustainable for everyone.