Borcycle M is Borealis’ transformational mechanical recycling technology that gives polyolefin-based post-consumer plastic waste another life. Credit: © Tomra/Borealis AG.

Borealis has secured the US Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) two letters of no objection (LNO) for the use of specific grades of its Borcycle M post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in food-grade packaging.  

This approval underlines Borealis’ commitment to provide value-added solutions that can contribute to the circular economy. 

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Borealis’ Borcycle M is a mechanical recycling technology that helps in efficiently repurposing post-consumer plastic waste.  

The FDA’s LNOs will further enable the use of Borcycle M-derived materials in a range of sensitive and demanding purposes, such as food contact, cosmetics, and personal care products. 

Borealis stated that the FDA has granted two LNOs permitting the use of Borcycle M PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in certain dry food contact applications at up to 100%.  

These materials can also make up to 10% of packaging for dry foods with surface oil as well as moist bakery products.  

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LNOs for recycled HDPE and recycled PP is effective from January and February 2024, respectively.  

Borealis highlighted that the LNOs are only applicable in the US and other regions under FDA jurisdiction.  

In the European Union (EU) nations, this clearance will aid discussions on the use of these materials in high-end and contact-sensitive packaging in sectors such as personal care and cosmetics. 

The milestone is also a key part of Borealis’ EverMinds initiative to enhance plastics circularity.  

The FDA’s approval will contribute to reducing plastic waste in incineration and landfill, lower the reliance on virgin materials, and meet the increasing demand for recycled materials in demanding and sensitive applications. 

Moving forward, Borealis is now set to advance the development of food packaging applications using recycled HDPE and PP.  

Borealis Performance Materials vice president Jonatas Melo said: “Our customers will be able to expand the use of value-added, recycled plastics within their portfolios.  

“Combined with all of Borealis’ other sustainable offerings, this FDA clearance of selected grades of our Borcycle M portfolio for food-grade applications will help them achieve their sustainability targets and bring us all closer to a fully circular economy for plastics.”