EuroWire May 2023

Technology News

Borealis Borcycle C chemical recycling process allows re-use of cross-linked polyethylene

© Borealis

Circular solutions for cross-linked polyethylene

linked PE. In a series of tests conducted by Borealis, XLPE and PE-X plastic waste were pre-treated and fed into the Borcycle C chemical recycling process. The chemically recycled material was analysed and determined to be suitable for use as cracker feedstock in the production of new ethylene in the manufacture of virgin-grade XLPE and PE-X. The proprietary and evolving recycling technology Borcycle C transforms plastic waste streams into value-added products. The chemical recycling solutions com- plement mechanical recycling by turning difficult-to-recycle plastics such as cross linked polyethylene into virgin-level grade materials with high safety and performance characteristics. Borealis AG www.borealisgroup.com

When used as insulation in low voltage electrical cables, XLPE has a better overall life-cycle impact than alternative materials: less of the lighter-weight material is required to provide cable system performance. PE-X is deployed in a range of advanced polyolefin plumbing and heating pipes, and is suited to demanding environments. Compared to conventional materials, the properties of cross-linked PE-X offer benefits that include toughness, chemical resistance and durability at high temperatures. However, it has been difficult to recycle XLPE or PE-X in such a way as to obtain the virgin-like PE required for these high-performance applications. Using its polymers expertise and re- cycling know-how, Borealis can now offer customers a circular solution for cross

Borealis has announced the capability to use its proprietary Borcycle™ C chemical recycling process to recycle cross-linked polyethylene (PE) types such as XLPE and PE-X into recycled polyethylene. With its suitability for high-performance applications, the recycled PE obtained in the pyrolysis process can replace virgin PE in the manufacture of XLPE and PE-X for use in the wire/cable and infra- structure industries, respectively. Using ISCC Plus (International Sustain- ability and Carbon Certification) certified grades in the Borcycle C portfolio enables customers to capitalise on circular solutions while maintaining application quality and industry standards. For cable networks, XLPE offers cost effectiveness and flexibility in installation.

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May 2023