Borealis has secured two Letters of No Objection (LNOs) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), granting approval for its Borcycle™ M post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) to be utilized in food-grade packaging across regions under FDA jurisdiction.
This regulatory not only fulfills the escalating demand for premium recycled materials suited for stringent applications but also underscores Borealis’ commitment to advancing plastic circularity through its EverMinds™ initiative.
Borcycle™ M stands as Borealis’ revolutionary mechanical recycling technology, enabling the reincarnation of post-consumer plastic waste in an energy-efficient manner. The FDA’s LNOs now enable the utilization of Borcycle M-derived materials in various demanding sectors, including cosmetics, personal care, and food contact.
With the FDA issuing two LNOs, Borcycle M PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) can now be employed up to 100% in specific dry food contact applications. Moreover, these recycled materials are approved for up to 10% incorporation in packaging for dry foods containing surface oil and moist bakery products. The effective dates for the FDA’s LNOs are January 2024 for recycled HDPE and February 2024 for recycled PP.
This milestone aligns with Borealis’ EverMinds™ aspiration to propel progress in plastics circularity. By broadening the scope of products manufactured from recycled plastics, these LNOs are poised to curtail plastic waste destined for incineration or landfills and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Additionally, they cater to the mounting demand for high-quality recycled materials suitable for exacting and sensitive applications.
Jonatas Melo, Borealis Vice President for Performance Materials, underscores the significance of this development: “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.”
With the FDA’s approval secured, Borealis is primed to advance the development of selected food packaging applications utilizing recycled HDPE and PP.
Mirjam Mayer, Borealis Vice President Circular Economy Solutions, emphasizes the milestone’s importance: “This marks a major milestone for Borealis, helping us to live our purpose of reinventing essentials for sustainable living.”
The FDA’s LNOs apply not only in the United States but also in regions governed by FDA regulations. In the EU, this clearance paves the way for discussions regarding the use of these materials in upscale, contact-sensitive applications such as cosmetics and personal care packaging.