Borouge of the UAE introduces new eco-friendly polymer goods

Borouge, a leading petrochemical company based in Abu Dhabi, and Borealis, one of the world's largest polyolefin manufacturers, have collaborated to introduce two new sustainable polymer products tailored for the automotive industry. These innovative products, created with up to 70% recycled materials, represent a significant leap in sustainability and are the first offerings from Borouge's Compounding Manufacturing Plant (CMP) in Shanghai, China.

The first product in this new line incorporates 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, resulting in an impressive 28% reduction in carbon footprint when compared to traditional virgin-grade materials. This polypropylene (PP) solution offers enhanced performance characteristics, improved processability, and a longer-lasting ability to withstand heat. It is ideally suited for use in components like under-body shields, bumper brackets, and structural elements within vehicles.

The second solution from Borouge blends up to 70% PCR materials and is specifically engineered for manufacturing wheel arches and other exterior components. This formulation achieves an impressive 32% decrease in carbon footprint compared to materials derived from virgin sources. It strikes a balance between impact strength and stiffness, ensuring the structural integrity required for automotive applications.

These sustainable components are the result of Borouge's efforts at its Compounding Manufacturing Plant in Shanghai, China. This facility has recently been awarded the ISO 14067 certification, which outlines the requirements for companies to quantify the carbon footprint of their products throughout their life cycle. The certification was officially granted by TÜV Rheinland, a renowned independent provider of technical services. Both of these PP solutions are built on Borealis' proprietary Borstar technology, which allows for precise customization of compound attributes to meet the specific performance requirements of each application. In the automotive industry, these PP compounds offer a compelling alternative to traditional materials like metal. They are lighter in weight, easier to work with during the manufacturing process, and provide greater design flexibility.

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