Why Now Is the Best Time to Switch to Recycled Materials
The plastics markets are in flux more than ever before. Rising raw material prices, volatile supply chains, and increasing regulatory requirements are currently changing the rules of the game. This is particularly evident in the case of polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP): While prices for virgin material are currently rising sharply, reliable recycled grades are becoming vastly more attractive—not only from an environmental perspective but also from an economic one. For many applications, it’s especially worthwhile right now to consider recycled materials.
With RECLEO™, we offer an industrial-grade standard for recycled materials
Recleo™ from Borouge International (formerly Borealis) is a mechanically recycled polyolefin that meets both industrial requirements and all regulatory standards. Production takes place, among other locations, at a modern recycling plant in Elin Pelin, Bulgaria, which specializes in high-quality rPP solutions. The post-consumer recyclates (PCR) produced there are standardized, reproducible materials with defined properties. The process begins with state-of-the-art sorting technologies, continues through specialized cold and hot washing processes for optimal preparation, and culminates in state-of-the-art extrusion technology with first-class filtration, which transforms the material into premium quality. As a result, the polyolefins offer stable mechanical properties and defined MFR ranges, as well as a virtually imperceptible odor.
The result is recycled materials that are increasingly being used in technically demanding applications where, previously, only specialized virgin materials were used.
Specifically, this means:
- A combination of post-industrial (PIR) and post-consumer (PCR) recycled materials
- Modern sorting technologies for consistent material quality
- Specialized processes (cold- and hot-washed variants)
- Stable mechanical properties and defined MFR ranges
- Improved odor performance compared to standard recycled materials
The result: recycled materials that can be specifically used for technical applications.
Focus on Profitability: When Sustainability Suddenly Pays Off
For a long time, the decision was clear: virgin material was often cheaper than recycled material.
But this equation has been turned on its head. Due to current market disruptions, prices for Grade 1A virgin material are rising significantly—while mechanically recycled materials such as Recleo™ offer a stable and often significantly more cost-effective alternative. For processors, this means not only reduced material costs with comparable performance and greater planning reliability thanks to more stable price structures, but also the ability to meet recycling quotas without economic disadvantages. As a result, recycling is becoming an economically viable standard solution—rather than merely a sustainable option—in many applications for the first time.
Quality that works in practice
A key factor for industrial use is reliability. Recleo™ stands out for:
- Consistent properties across batches
- Ongoing quality controls and laboratory tests
- Documented Material Flows
- Compliance with relevant standards such as RecyClass, REACH, and RoHS
This makes the material particularly interesting for applications where appearance, odor, and mechanical performance are important factors, without direct contact with food.
The range of applications is broad: Recleo™ is highly versatile and meets numerous industrial requirements, ranging from household products and storage systems to gardening and aquaculture applications, as well as non-food packaging and logistics solutions such as crates, pallets, and transport components. The material truly shines in situations where a balanced combination of performance, cost, and sustainability is required.
Grässlin: Your Partner for the Next Step
As part of a strong network, we offer access to innovative materials such as Recleo™—combined with comprehensive consulting and project support. From material selection to mass production, we help companies find the optimal solution and tap into new potential. Now is the right time to take action, because the current market situation clearly shows that recycling has long since become more than just a sustainability issue. It is a strategic competitive advantage.
Those who change their mindset now can benefit in two ways—ecologically and economically. If you’d like to find out whether Recleo™ is suitable for your application, please contact us.
The next opportunity to speak with us directly will be at the Kuteno B2B Supplier Trade Fair, taking place June 9–11, 2026, at the Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Center.
Recycled materials are increasingly being used in industrial plastic applications, such as license plate holders made from Recleo™