Borealis strengthens chemical recycling strategy by partnering with BlueAlp, transferring Renasci ownership while supporting scale-up of circular feedstock production.
Borealis has announced a new strategic collaboration with BlueAlp, a specialist in chemical recycling technologies headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. This partnership represents an important step forward for both companies as they seek to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of chemical recycling solutions across Europe. As part of the agreement, Borealis will transfer its majority ownership stake in Renasci, a chemical recycling venture located in Ostend, Belgium, to BlueAlp. In parallel, Borealis will acquire a 10% equity stake in BlueAlp, underlining its long-term commitment to supporting BlueAlp’s expansion and technological development.
Renasci has played a pivotal role in demonstrating the feasibility of chemical recycling at an industrial scale. The company licensed BlueAlp’s proprietary technology to develop a 20 kilotonne-per-year scale-up facility, which was engineered and constructed by BlueAlp. In addition, BlueAlp has provided extensive technical and operational support to the plant over recent years. Transitioning from a technology and support role to directly operating the asset is a natural progression for BlueAlp, enabling the company to gain deeper operational insights, enhance process performance, and further refine its recycling technology.
By assuming leadership of Renasci’s next development phase, BlueAlp aims to accelerate innovation, establish a reliable platform for producing high-quality circular feedstock, and strengthen its position as a licensor of advanced chemical recycling solutions. For Borealis, the transaction allows continued focus on developing and delivering customer solutions that incorporate chemically recycled raw materials, while entrusting operational responsibility to a technology-focused partner.
Since its initial involvement with Renasci, Borealis has been instrumental in developing the site into one of the few operational chemical recycling plants currently active in Europe. This achievement has provided valuable experience in scaling emerging recycling technologies and integrating recycled feedstocks into polymer production. Under the new structure, BlueAlp will drive further optimization and expansion of Renasci, while Borealis leverages its extensive market reach, materials expertise, and customer relationships.
Commenting on the collaboration, Valentijn de Neve highlighted the importance of Borealis’ continued involvement at a critical moment for the chemical recycling sector. With ambitious recycled-content targets on the horizon, rapid capacity expansion is essential. Borealis’ industrial know-how and market experience are expected to significantly support BlueAlp’s growth and its mission to convert increasing volumes of plastic waste into high-quality circular feedstock.
The partnership also supports customers and value-chain partners in preparing for the European Union’s forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, scheduled for implementation in 2030. The regulation is expected to drive substantial demand for recycled materials suitable for sensitive applications such as food and cosmetics packaging, where chemically recycled feedstocks are particularly well suited.
Stefan Doboczky emphasized that the deepened partnership with BlueAlp, combining operational assets and advanced technology, will help accelerate the broader adoption of chemical recycling across the industry. The collaboration will enable Borealis to expand its portfolio of polymers based on chemically recycled feedstock, aligning with its We4Customers Strategy and supporting customers in achieving their sustainability objectives while reinforcing Borealis’ focus on innovation and operational excellence.
