Messe Düsseldorf is taking a major step toward sustainability by introducing its first comprehensive reusable cup system at K 2025, the world’s leading international trade fair for plastics and rubber. This initiative is aimed at reducing single-use packaging and aligning with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Borealis is playing a central role by supplying advanced foamable polypropylene (PP) tailored for reusable and recyclable cup applications.

The reusable cups will be produced using chemically recycled feedstock derived from OMV’s ReOil® technology. This innovative process converts end-of-life plastics into circular feedstock for new plastic production. “ReOil® is our proprietary chemical recycling technology that supports the transition to a circular economy,” said Maximilian Grasserbauer, OMV senior vice president for circular economy. “We operate ReOil® at our Schwechat refinery in Austria and continue to invest in scaling this sustainable solution.”

The cups offer multiple sustainability benefits: they are lightweight, use less material than conventional alternatives, have a lower carbon footprint, and are fully recyclable. “Reuse systems are key to reducing waste at large-scale events,” said Peter Voortmans, vice president of marketing consumer products at Borealis. “Our PP foam solutions enable lightweight, durable, and recyclable applications that support long-term sustainability goals.”

At K 2025, cups will be available without a deposit at all food and beverage outlets. Messe Düsseldorf will install return stations across the venue, allowing attendees to drop off used cups for cleaning and reuse. Visitors may also take cups home for personal use. Logistics teams will collect cups from tables and return bins for rinsing and redistribution. Any cups disposed of improperly will be retrieved and recycled by Borealis, while unused cups will be donated for further use.

“This project aligns perfectly with our event’s theme, ‘The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible,’” said Thomas Franken, K director at Messe Düsseldorf. “K 2025 is the ideal platform to showcase practical sustainability efforts that support our long-term goals.”

The initiative will also function as a pilot program. Messe Düsseldorf will track cup usage, reuse, and recycling rates to gather insights for future improvements. This data will help develop scalable systems that further reduce emissions and waste at major events.

Additional contributors include Arburg (injection molding machines), Bockatech (EcoCore® foaming technology), MCC Global IML (sustainable in-mold labels), and Miko Pac (innovative packaging solutions).

Borealis is a global leader in advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. In Europe, the company is recognized as a pioneer in polyolefin recycling and is also a significant producer of base chemicals. Drawing on its deep polymer expertise and decades of industry experience, Borealis delivers innovative, value-driven, and circular material solutions across key sectors, including consumer products, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and mobility.