Borealis is excited to announce the reception of Letters of No Objection (LNOs) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the usage of specific grades of its Borcycle™ M post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in food-grade packaging. This significant achievement solidifies Borealis’ position as a leader in providing value-added solutions for the circular economy.
Borcycle M is Borealis’ innovative mechanical recycling technology that gives post-consumer plastic waste a new life in an energy-efficient manner. The FDA’s LNOs open the door for Borcycle M-derived materials to be utilized in a specific range of challenging and sensitive applications, including cosmetics, personal care, as well as food contact.
The FDA has issued two LNOs allowing Borcycle M PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) to be used up to 100% in certain dry food contact applications. Moreover, these recycled materials can make up to 10% of packaging for dry foods with surface oil and moist bakery products. The FDA’s LNOs will be effective from January 2024 for recycled HDPE and from February 2024 for recycled PP.
This development is another step in Borealis’ EverMinds™ initiative to enhance action in plastics circularity. By expanding the range of products made from recycled plastics, the FDA’s LNOs will aid in reducing plastic waste ending up in incineration and landfills, as well as reducing reliance on virgin materials. Furthermore, they will support Borealis in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality, recycled materials suitable for challenging and sensitive applications.
“Our customers can now broaden their utilization of value-added, recycled plastics within their portfolios. Alongside Borealis’ other sustainable offerings, this FDA approval of selected grades of our Borcycle M portfolio for food-grade applications will help them reach their sustainability goals and move us closer to a fully circular economy for plastics,” explains Jonatas Melo, Borealis Vice President for Performance Materials.
Borealis is now prepared to progress with the development of chosen food packaging applications from recycled HDPE and PP.
“This signifies a significant achievement for Borealis, aiding us in fulfilling our mission of reinventing essentials for sustainable living,” says Mirjam Mayer, Borealis Vice President of Circular Economy Solutions.
The FDA’s LNOs are applicable in the United States of America and other regions under FDA governance. In the EU, the FDA clearance will facilitate discussions on using these materials in high-end, contact-sensitive applications such as cosmetics and personal care packaging.
