Borealis introduces glass-fiber reinforced PP with 65% PCR for demanding automotive applications

• Borealis introduces Borcycle™ GD3600SY, a glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compound with 65% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymer content.
• Its first application will be in center console carriers for the new Peugeot 3008, developed in partnership with Plastivaloire and Stellantis.
• EverMinds™ in action: This development proactively addresses the expected requirements of the forthcoming European End-of-Life Vehicles regulation and marks a significant step towards a circular economy for plastics.

Borealis is pleased to introduce Borcycle™ GD3600SY, a glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compound with 65% 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% 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% 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% 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.

Shanila Baseley, Borealis Global Commercial Vice President, Advanced Products & Mobility, Commercial Excellence & Business Intelligence, states, “Accelerating the transition to a circular economy requires strong partnerships and innovative approaches. We are proud that our collaboration with Plastivaloire and Stellantis in the spirit of EverMinds™ has resulted in this significant step towards sustainability in the automotive sector and is further evidence of our commitment to reinventing essentials for sustainable living.”

“In the automotive market, Borealis introduced Borcycle GD3600SY in Q4 2023. Stellantis is the leading OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) implementing this technology, deploying it in our center console carriers in vehicle interiors. This reinforces our commitment to sustainability by engaging our supply base in a shared journey towards circularity,” explains Danielly Pierozan Cortes, Global Head of Resins & Compounds at Stellantis.

Borealis and its partners have been recognized as finalists in the category “Automotive, Electrical & Electronic Product” in the Plastic Recycling Awards Europe 2024 for the center console carrier made from Borcycle GD3600SY. The product will be showcased at PIAE 2024 in Mannheim, Germany, 19–20 June, and at PRSE 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 19–20 June.

“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,” says Dominique Manceau, Innovation Director at Plastivaloire.

The qualification of Borcycle GD3600SY for the Peugeot 3008 center console carriers marks another milestone in Borealis’ EverMinds™ ambition to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. It also serves as an example of the company’s spirit of partnership with the mobility sector, moving ahead together to a more sustainable future.

Moving ahead together with Borealis Mobility

For over 50 years, Borealis has been a leading supplier of innovative polyolefin solutions for the mobility industry. Our specialized compounds are engineered for a range of demanding applications, including vehicle Interiors and Exteriors, e-Powertrain systems, and Under-the-Hood components.

At the core of this portfolio is our proprietary Borstar® technology, which forms the foundation for our high-performance, cost-effective, and lightweight polypropylene materials that can substitute conventional materials like engineering plastics and metal.

Our EverMinds™ commitment to accelerating action on circularity is evident in our circular portfolios, which help reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles without compromising performance. This includes the Bornewables™, based on renewable feedstock, Borcycle™ M, derived from advanced mechanically recycled materials, and Borcycle™ C, based on chemically recycled feedstock The circular content in the Bornewables™ and Borcycle™ C materials is attributed using a mass balance approach, which is ISCC PLUS certified. This certification guarantees traceability throughout the supply chain, giving you and your customers confidence in their sustainability credentials.

As the mobility industry evolves, Borealis continues to deliver innovation where it counts – in compounds that make vehicles safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for everyone.

Borstar® is a registered trademark of Borealis AG.
Borcycle™, the Bornewables™ and EverMinds™ are trademarks of Borealis AG.

END

This media release is available in English and German language. Please find the mentioned language versions and further photo material here. 

Media Contact
Borealis Group Media Desk
Virginia Wieser, Lena Lehner, Karin Schober
Tel: +43 1 22 400 899 (Vienna, Austria)
E-mail: media@borealisgroup.com

About Borealis
Borealis is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. In Europe, Borealis is also an innovative leader in polyolefins recycling and a major producer of base chemicals. We leverage our polymer expertise and decades of experience to offer value-adding, innovative and circular material solutions for key industries such as consumer products, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and mobility.
With customers in over 120 countries and head office in Vienna, Austria, Borealis employs around 6,000 people. In 2023, we generated a net profit of EUR 216 million. OMV, the integrated energy, fuels & feedstock and chemicals & materials company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, owns 75% of our shares. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), owns the remaining 25%.
In re-inventing essentials for sustainable living, we build on our commitment to safety, our people, innovation and technology, and performance excellence. We are accelerating the transformation to a circular economy of polyolefins and expanding our geographical footprint to better serve our customers around the globe. Our operations are augmented by two important joint ventures: Borouge (with ADNOC, headquartered in the UAE); and Baystar™ (with TotalEnergies, based in the US).
www.borealisgroup.com | www.borealiseverminds.com


About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.