Borealis Unveils Full-Scale Reusable Cup System at Messe Düsseldorf with ReOil Recycled Feedstock
- The Messe Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf Exhibition Center) will use reusable cups at all restaurants and bars throughout K 2025, made from Borealis modified polypropylene for foam, which is produced using chemically recycled feedstock based on OMV’s ReOil technology
- This marks the first time the venue uses a comprehensive reusable cup system, representing a significant step towards reducing waste from single-use cups at large-scale events
- This pilot initiative will assess reuse and recycling rates, providing valuable insights for the effective implementation of scalable reuse systems at future events
Messe Düsseldorf is dedicated to cutting waste at major events. In an effort to create a sustainable solution that can be expanded for future events, reusable cups will be introduced for the first time at K 2025, the world’s premier international trade show for rubber and plastics. Borealis is contributing to this effort by offering high-performance modified foamable polypropylene (PP) that is especially well-suited for applications involving recyclable and reusable cups.
An additional sustainability advantage comes from the use of chemically recycled feedstock based on OMV’s ReOil technology. This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing single-use packaging at global exhibitions, aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“ReOil is our proprietary chemical recycling technology that converts end-of-life plastics into circular feedstock for the production of chemicals, in particular new plastics,” says Maximilian Grasserbauer, OMV Senior Vice President Circular Economy. We operate ReOil at our Schwechat refinery close to Vienna, Austria, and are continuously investing in advancing this technology to ensure a reliable supply of circular feedstock for the market. ReOil is part of our sustainable base chemicals portfolio, designed to support our industry’s shift toward circular feedstocks.”
Beyond reusability and recycled content, the cups contribute to the circular economy in multiple ways: they are lightweight and material-efficient, have a reduced carbon footprint, and are fully recyclable.
“At Borealis, we are committed to creating innovative solutions in collaboration with our value chain partners and this initiative is a prime example,” says Peter Voortmans, Borealis Vice President Marketing Consumer Products. “Reuse systems are key to making large-scale events more sustainable, and our polypropylene solutions for foam support this by enabling lightweight, durable, and fully recyclable applications that use less material than conventional alternatives.”
During K Fair, the cups will be available deposit-free at all restaurants and bars across the site. To support reuse, Messe Düsseldorf will install special collection containers. Visitors can return the cups to service points, place them in the collection containers, or take them home for personal reuse.
Logistics staff will ensure that cups left on tables or placed in the collection containers are retrieved, rinsed in on-site kitchens, and returned to service. Any cups disposed of in general waste bins will be collected after the fair and recycled by Borealis. Unused cups will be donated for further use.
Thomas Franken, K Director, Portfolio Plastics and Rubber, Messe Düsseldorf, explains the motivation behind the initiative: “Introducing reusable cups to replace single-use cups at K 2025 aligns perfectly with our motto, ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible.’ As the global forum shaping the future of plastics, K 2025 provides the ideal platform to highlight practical initiatives that reflect the industry’s commitment to sustainability – while also supporting Messe Düsseldorf’s own sustainability goals.”
The initiative will serve as a pilot for assessing the effectiveness of scalable reuse systems at large events. Messe Düsseldorf will analyze usage patterns, tracking how many cups are used, re-used, and recycled. The insights gained will contribute to the development of more sustainable solutions for future events, since reducing emissions and waste from operations is a key objective of Messe Düsseldorf’s sustainability strategy.
This collaboration has been further supported by additional partners who contributed to cup production and the integration of durable in-mold labels.
Arburg: Specializing in manufacturing high-end injection molding machines and turnkey systems for plastics processing.
Bockatech: EcoCore foaming technology, used for the durable injection molded cups, reduces plastic use by up to 50%, doubles the thermal insulation, cuts manufacturing time and provides 5x the strength while ensuring recyclability.
MCC Global IML: Producing sustainable in-mold labels for rigid plastic packaging, focusing on innovation and circularity.
Miko Pac: Developing and producing innovative plastic packaging solutions for various industries, including food service.
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