Borealis and REHAU: Circular economy for furniture

22.11.2022

Borealis, one of the world's leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions and a European front-runner in polyolefin recycling, and REHAU, a leading supplier of polymer solutions to the automotive, construction, medical, and furniture industries, are advancing circularity in furniture manufacturing through the use of grades from Borealis' Bornewables™ portfolio of premium polyolefins based on renewable feedstock. REHAU has selected the Bornewables material for the manufacture of edgebands based on its durability and robustness in combination with suitability for straight and contour processing. In the spirit of EverMinds™, the long-term partnership between Borealis and REHAU has been taken to the next level as they drive plastics circularity in furniture manufacturing.

Image: Hand opening a kitchen cabinet. At the top left the ISCC symbol ; Copyright: REHAU

REHAU has selected the Bornewables material for the manufacture of edgebands based on its durability and robustness in combination with suitability for straight and contour processing. Source: REHAU

Polypropylene (PP) has long been a preferred material in the production of polymer edgebands thanks to its excellent chemical and heat resistance, and the wide range of processing opportunities it enables. It is also fully recyclable and odourless. As drop-in replacement solutions in edgeband manufacturing, grades from the Bornewables portfolio are also suitable for use on standard edgebanders and contour processing machinery due to their colour-stable chemistry and flexibility. Like conventional PP, the Bornewables offer:

Very good heat conductivity and absorption
Excellent UV stability
High degree of heat resistance
Extremely low shrinkage.

Exhibitors & products around plastics processing

The Bornewables grades are ISCC PLUS certified polyolefins (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) produced according to the mass balance model in which fossil-based feedstocks can be replaced by identical volumes of more sustainable ones. Using the Bornewables – which are made using renewable feedstock derived solely from waste and residue streams not fit for human consumption – reduces the carbon footprint of the end product.

"As accelerators for plastics circularity, we appreciate how important it is for the furniture industry to have a range of renewable-based and recycled material solutions in order to lower their own carbon footprint," says John Webster, Borealis Global Commercial Director Infrastructure. "We believe that leveraging our polymers expertise and collaborating with trusted partners like REHAU is the best way to re-invent essentials for sustainable living."

"The home furnishing sector is keen to find new ways to enhance the circularity of everyday products, but maintaining top product quality and longevity is essential," explains Daniel Elfe-Degel, Manager Product Management Edgebands and Sustainability Officer at REHAU Industrial Solutions Division. "Borealis has long been a reliable and trusted partner. We are glad to have enhanced the sustainability of our product portfolio through the use of a more circular material solution."