TotalEnergies, a major player in the energy sector, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by incorporating 50% post-consumer recycled polyethylene in the packaging of its premium lubricants range in Europe. The platinum-coloured bottles are produced by the company’s own polymers segment.
This initiative follows a successful pilot project launched in 2021 with the Quartz Xtra product bottles. As of September 2023, all premium range bottles manufactured in France and Belgium will be made from TotalEnergies rPE6314, a ready-to-use polyethylene compound.
The rHDPE grade, part of the RE:clic polymer range, is produced at TotalEnergies’ plant in Antwerp. It is designed for blow moulding applications and combines recycled polyethylene from post-consumer waste with a high-performing virgin booster. The company assures that the polymer’s high quality and consistency allow for seamless processing on existing industrial equipment.
The resulting bottle retains the same design, shape, and weight as the 100% fossil-based alternatives, but with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, according to TotalEnergies.
Jean Parizot, General Manager Inland markets at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, stated, “We’re moving towards 50% recycled packs by 2030 for all small packaging produced in France and Belgium, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of our production and contributing to a more circular economy.”
Olivier Greiner, Vice President, Polymers Europe & Orient at TotalEnergies, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This packaging development brought to the EU market is the result of an internal effort to address the challenge of end-of-life plastics. It demonstrates our shared commitment as a Company to promote the circular economy, and fully supports our ambition of reaching 1 million tons of circular polymers by 2030.”