Itochu, Borealis, and Borouge have agreed to enter a partnership to explore possibilities in enabling uptake of renewable polypropylene (PP) in Japan. PP has been used in a wide range of applications, including food containers, automotive parts, and daily commodities. However, producing PP from renewable material poses many technical difficulties. At the same time, demand for such materials is expected to continue expanding amid growing awareness on climate issues. In Japan, the government plans to introduce about 2 million tons of renewable plastic products in the next decade.
With such a background, the three companies will work together to create solutions that can meet customers requirements. Borealis launched the commercial production of renewable PP in March 2020. Renewable PP production uses feedstock from residue streams and organic wastes. Borouge provides innovative plastic packaging solutions, including new disruptive designs focusing on re-use and recyclability. It also introduces mono-material solutions which are more recyclable. Meanwhile, Itochu will utilise its vast Japanese and Asian networks to develop a new business scheme for renewable plastics.
