Polyolefins producer Borealis (Vienna / Austria; www.borealisgroup.com) and recycling technology manufacturer Erema (Ansfelden / Austria; www.erema.com) have signed a letter of intent to deepen a collaboration in mechanical recycling. The two Austrian companies aim to enhance recycling processes in order to satisfy rising market demand for higher-quality recyclate used in high-end applications.

The plans are to develop improved technologies and processes in mechanical recycling with Borealis' knowledge in polymers and Erema's engineering expertise. The companies are also looking to standardise and harmonise input feedstock and recyclate pellets to enable the broader use of recycled solutions, such as in consumer product applications.

Another aim is to scale up, by exploring the potential of increasing plant size and thereby production volumes. This would help secure market availability. Borealis and Erema also will work on acquiring "more sophisticated market intelligence" in order to deliver sufficient quantities of specific types of materials.

At a recent press event leading up to the "K" trade fair, Borealis' head of mechanical recycling Günter Stephan said the Vienna-based company is aiming to become the leading supplier of polyolefin recyclate worldwide.