Smart Molding International 2-2025

47 www.smart-molding.com materials solutions for foam support this by enabling lightweight, durable, and fully recyclable applications that use less material than conventional alternatives.” During K Fair, the cups will be available deposit-free at all restaurants and bars across the site. To support reuse, Messe Düsseldorf will install special collection containers. Visitors can return the cups to service points, place them in the collection containers, or take them home for personal reuse. Logistics staff will ensure that cups left on tables or placed in the collection containers are retrieved, rinsed in on- site kitchens, and returned to service. Any cups disposed of in general waste bins will be collected after the fair and recycled by Borealis. Unused cups will be donated for further use. Thomas Franken, K Director, Portfolio Plastics and Rubber, Messe Düsseldorf, explains the motivation behind the initiative: “Introducing reusable cups to replace single-use cups at K 2025 aligns perfectly with our motto, ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible.’ As the global forum shaping the future of plastics, K 2025 provides the ideal platform to highlight practical initiatives that reflect the industry’s commitment to sustainability – while also supporting Messe Düsseldorf’s own sustainability goals.” The initiative will serve as a pilot for assessing the effectiveness of scalable reuse systems at large events. Messe Düsseldorf will analyze usage patterns, tracking how many cups are used, re- used, and recycled. The insights gained will contribute to the development of more sustainable solutions for future events, since reducing emissions and waste from operations is a key objective of Messe Düsseldorf’s sustainability strategy. This collaboration has been further supported by additional partners who contributed to cup production and the integration of durable in-mold labels. Arburg: Specializing in manufacturing high-end injection molding machines and turnkey systems for plastics processing. Bockatech: EcoCore® foaming technology, used for the durable injection molded cups, reduces plastic use by up to 50%, doubles the thermal insulation, cuts manufacturing time and provides 5x the strength while ensuring recyclability. MCC Global IML: Producing sustainable in-mold labels for rigid plastic packaging, focusing on innovation and circularity. Miko Pac: Developing and producing innovative plastic packaging solutions for various industries, including food service. About Borealis Borealis is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. In Europe, Borealis is also an innovative leader in polyolefins recycling and a major producer of base chemicals. The company leverages its polymer expertise and decades of experience to offer value-adding, innovative and circular material solutions for key industries such as consumer products, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and mobility. With customers in over 120 countries and head office in Vienna, Austria, Borealis employs around 6,200 people. In 2024, Borealis generated a net profit of EUR 566 million. OMV, the sustainable chemicals, fuels and energy company with a focus on circular economy solutions, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, owns 75% of Borealis shares. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), owns the remaining 25%. In re-inventing essentials for sustainable living, Borealis builds on its commitment to safety, its people, innovation and technology, and performance excellence. The company is accelerating the transformation to a circular economy of polyolefins and expanding its geographical footprint to better serve the customers around the globe. Borealis operations are augmented by two important joint ventures: Borouge (with ADNOC, headquartered in the UAE); and Baystar™ (with TotalEnergies, based in the US). Borealis www.borealisgroup.com  From waste to value: This foamable polypropylene based cups are helping K 2025 go circular (all pictures: Borealis)