In collaboration with NEEMANN
We have teamed up with Ecoplast, a member of the Borealis Group, and our partner NEEMANN to deliver a breakthrough in circular packaging for hygiene applications. The outcome of our cooperation is high-end diaper and femcare packaging that contains 80% post-consumer recycled (PCR) low-density polyethylene (LDPE), based on mechanical recycling. The achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing sustainability and marks another step in our EverMinds™ mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for plastics.
Together with NEEMANN we are moving the boundaries of flexible hygiene packaging circularity
© Borealis
Hygiene packaging needs to meet strict performance and quality standards to ensure consumer safety and convenience. Meeting these standards with a material containing such a high proportion of mechanically recycled PCR represented a considerable technical challenge—one that we overcame through deep expertise, close collaboration, and the use of high-quality mechanically recycled materials from our Borcycle™ M portfolio.
Incorporating 80% PCR into flexible hygiene packaging is a major achievement. This solution, developed in partnership with NEEMANN and Ecoplast, will help our customers meet their circular economy goals without compromising quality or safety. It’s another great example of how we’re making everyday life easier.
Peter Voortmans, Borealis Global Commercial Director Consumer Products Flexibles
The selected grades, Borcycle™ NAV101L and Borcycle™ CWT100VL, are both transparent PCR LDPE with superior transparency and low odor, making them an ideal choice for this high-end hygiene application. They also offer reduced gel content, enhancing material consistency and ensuring the packaging is reliable in both appearance and function. Like all grades in the Borcycle M portfolio, both are produced entirely from post-consumer waste, the NAV101L even with a significant portion of which is household municipal waste. The grade has full REACH compliance, and traceability is verified by the RecyClass ‘Recycled Plastic Traceability Certification’ scheme, according to European Standard EN 15343:2007.
The material’s processability and mechanical properties are further enhanced by our virgin polyolefin boosters, Anteo™ and BorShape™.
NEEMANN, a leading flexible packaging manufacturer based in Leer, Germany, has been delivering high-quality packaging solutions since 1889. Their expertise in film design and material selection was essential in ensuring the packaging fulfills end-user requirements, including stewardship compliance.
Mechanically recycled materials—even those of very high quality—aren’t a simple drop-in solution. Meeting hygiene packaging standards required careful material selection, close collaboration, and technical expertise, all made possible through our partnership with Borealis and Ecoplast. We’re proud to introduce this market-leading, sustainable solution that meets the needs of demanding hygiene packaging applications.
Cord Neemann, NEEMANN Managing Partner
This latest achievement is the result of a long-term collaboration between Borealis, Ecoplast, and NEEMANN to drive sustainability in circular packaging. Over several years, we have worked together to integrate increasing levels of recycled content—a previous effort saw the introduction of diaper packaging containing over 40% PCR.
Our extensive research and development as well as collaboration with NEEMANN enabled creation of flexible hygiene packaging containing 80% PCR
© Borealis
With 80% PCR content, this innovative packaging solution reduces reliance on fossil-based resources and keeps valuable end-of-life materials in circulation, preventing them from being landfilled or incinerated. It also significantly lowers carbon emissions—all while maintaining the performance needed for high-end hygiene packaging. This milestone demonstrates that circular solutions can be successfully implemented in even the most demanding applications without compromising quality or safety.