Credits By: Gulf Industry
Prominent Abu Dhabi-based petrochemical enterprise Borouge, renowned for its pioneering polyolefin solutions, has joined hands with Austria’s Borealis, a global titan in the polyolefin manufacturing realm, to unveil two cutting-edge sustainable polymer products tailored for the automotive sector.
These remarkable products, crafted from an impressive 70 percent recycled materials, herald a significant milestone as they emerge from the heart of Borouge’s Compounding Manufacturing Plant in Shanghai, China.
Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, the CEO of Borouge, underlines the pivotal role of these novel creations in manifesting the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. He asserts, “In harnessing the potential of recycled materials and forging products with a diminished carbon footprint, we tangibly illustrate the attainability of circular economy objectives in the present moment. Our team’s dedication and ingenuity in embracing sustainability while pioneering innovative solutions spotlight their remarkable achievements, fostering the swift transition of the automotive industry toward a lower carbon impact.”
These pioneering polypropylene (PP) solutions, constructed with up to 70 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, have undergone comprehensive ISO 14067 carbon footprint assessments validated by TUV Rheinland. This meticulous evaluation spans the products’ entire life cycle, encompassing their journey from inception to production gate. Notably, these new grades of polymers diminish carbon emissions and energy consumption and maintain a level of performance and consistent quality akin to original virgin compounds.
Eddie Wang, the Senior Vice President of Asia South at Borouge, remarks on the shifting paradigm in the automotive sector, accentuated by the surging demand for inventive mobility solutions. Wang affirms, “In response to this transformation, our clients proactively seek avenues to incorporate sustainable polyolefin solutions into their latest vehicle models. At Borouge, we innovate to devise products that benefit our clients while propelling their swift transition into a sustainable future.”
Delving into the specifics, the initial solution integrates 50 percent PCR material, accomplishing a noteworthy 28 percent reduction in carbon footprint compared to virgin grades. This formulation excels in performance, processability, and exceptional long-term heat resistance, making it an ideal candidate for under-body shields, bumper brackets, and automobile structural components.
The second solution, featuring a blend of up to 70 percent PCR materials, is meticulously tailored to fabricate wheel arches and other exterior components. This particular formulation charts a commendable 32 percent reduction in carbon footprint when contrasted with virgin grades, perfectly striking a harmonious equilibrium between impact strength and stiffness.
Borouge’s journey toward automotive sustainability commenced with the establishment of its Compounding Manufacturing Plant in 2010. Dedicated to crafting high-quality compounds for mobility applications, the plant thrives on providing extensive testing support to its automotive partners. Armed with state-of-the-art laboratories and avant-garde instruments, this facility is the crucible of new product innovation. Beginning with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes annually, the plant has since burgeoned to an impressive annual capacity of 90,000 tonnes, manifesting an 80 percent expansion in capacity.
