Smart Molding International 2-2025

46 smart_molding international 2/2025 materials Borealis creates first comprehensive reusable cup system for a Messe Düsseldorf event K Fair 2025, the World´s No.1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, serves as a pilot for scalable cup re-use systems for global exhibitions. It is based on ReOil® chemically recycled feedstock from OMV. • The Messe Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf Exhibition Center) will use reusable cups at all restaurants and bars throughout K 2025, made from Borealis modified polypropylene for foam, which is produced using chemically recycled feedstock based on OMV’s ReOil® technology • This marks the first time the venue uses a comprehensive reusable cup system, representing a significant step towards reducing waste from single-use cups at large-scale events • This pilot initiative will assess reuse and recycling rates, providing valuable insights for the effective implementation of scalable reuse systems at future events Messe Düsseldorf is committed to reducing waste at large-scale events. At K 2025, the world´s leading international trade fair for plastics and rubber, it will introduce reusable cups for the first time, with the goal of establishing a sustainable solution that can be scaled for future events. Borealis is supporting this initiative by providing high-performance modified foamable polypropylene (PP) specifically suited to reusable and recyclable cup applications. An additional sustainability advantage comes from the use of chemically recycled feedstock based on OMV’s ReOil® technology. This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing single-use packaging at global exhibitions, aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). “ReOil® is our proprietary chemical recycling technology that converts end- of-life plastics into circular feedstock for the production of chemicals, in particular new plastics,” says Maximilian Grasserbauer, OMV Senior Vice President Circular Economy. “We operate ReOil® at our Schwechat refinery close to Vienna, Austria, and are continuously investing in advancing this technology to ensure a reliable supply of circular feedstock for the market. ReOil® is part of our sustainable base chemicals portfolio, designed to support our industry’s shift toward circular feedstocks.” Beyond reusability and recycled content, the cups contribute to the circular economy in multiple ways: they are lightweight and material-efficient, have a reduced carbon footprint, and are fully recyclable. “At Borealis, we are committed to creating innovative solutions in collaboration with our value chain partners and this initiative is a prime example,” says Peter Voortmans, Borealis Vice President Marketing Consumer Products. “Reuse systems are key to making large-scale events more sustainable, and our polypropylene