As the demand for sustainable materials grows, mechanical recycling is playing a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and fostering a circular economy. A key example of this transformation comes from Bulgaria, where Borealis has acquired Integra Plastics AD, an advanced mechanical recycling company that converts post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality polyolefin recyclates. With an annual capacity of over 20,000 tons, the facility employs cutting-edge mechanical recycling technology to turn discarded plastics into valuable materials for demanding applications.
Mechanical recycling involves sorting, cleaning, shredding, and remelting plastic waste while preserving the original polymer structure. This process is both energy-efficient and cost-effective, enabling the integration of high-quality recyclates into new products. By reducing reliance on virgin plastics, lowering carbon emissions, and extending the lifespan of plastic materials, mechanical recycling supports a more sustainable use of resources.
With the plastics industry under increasing pressure to adopt circular solutions, investments in advanced mechanical recycling facilities signal a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. Scaling up the use of recycled materials is a critical step toward reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and achieving ambitious environmental targets.
