Extrusion International 1-2026

43 Extrusion International 1/2026 From Waste to Value B orealis is a proud partner of Project ELECTRO, a cutting-edge EU-funded initiative driving Europe toward a climate-neutral, circular plastics system. The project brings together top universities such as the University of Ghent, research institutes, and industry players to develop electrified, high-efficiency recycling technologies capable of turning low-quality waste into pre- mium raw materials. Turning Low-Value Plastics into High-Value Building Blocks Project ELECTRO aims to reshape the future of recycling by developing electrified thermochemical process - es that transformmixed and hard-to- recycle waste – including multilayer packaging and contaminated plas- tics – into high-purity olefins such as ethylene and propylene. By using renewable electricity in- stead of fossil-based energy, ELEC- TRO targets up to a 90% reduc- tion in greenhouse gas emissions, matching the ambition of the EU’s circularity and decarbonization agenda. As a leading consortium part- ner, Borealis heads the work pack- age focused on enabling circular feedstocks for efficient steam cracking. Linking Innovation to Real- World Waste Through Project STOP Borealis also connects Project ELECTRO with Project STOP – its internationally recognized waste management initiativeco-founded by Borealis and Systemiqin 2017. Household plastics collected in In- donesia through Project STOP are used in ELECTRO’s research, allow- ing the consortium to test the via- bility of chemical recycling on chal- lenging, low-value waste streams. “At Borealis,we’recommitted to scaling circular solutions through in- novation and strong partnerships. Together with our ELECTRO part- ners, we’reproving how electrified chemical recycling can turn chal- lenging waste streams into valuable resources for a circular economy,” says Manjunath Patil, Senior Engi- neer Innovation & Technology at Borealis. “Project ELECTRO combines top-ti- er scientificexpertisewith real-world testing. Our collaboration with Bore- alis – and the integration of material from Project STOP – show cross-sec- tor innovation can unlock scalable solutions for both industry and so- ciety,” saysKevin Van Geem, Profes- sor at Ghent University and Project ELECTRO coordinator. Borealis Group www.borealisgroup.com (Copyright: Borealis)