Borealis Demonstrates Viability of Large-Scale Reusable Cup Systems at K 2025 Trade Fair in Düsseldorf

Photo: From left to right – Thomas Franken (Messe Düsseldorf), Sonja Laudin (Diakonie Düsseldorf), Dzenita Antunovic (Borealis), Philip Knapen (Borealis), and Mario Nickel (FORTESNICKEL) handing over reusable cups to a Diakonie Düsseldorf

(IN BRIEF) Borealis has completed a successful reusable cup pilot at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, marking the first time a large-scale reuse system was implemented at the event and at Messe Düsseldorf. The project used 50,000 cups made from foamable polypropylene with chemically recycled feedstock from OMV’s ReOil® technology and was supported by partners across the value chain. After the event, thousands of cups were donated to local charities, while damaged or recovered cups were mechanically recycled. The pilot demonstrated that large-scale reuse systems can work effectively at major events and provided a practical blueprint for advancing circularity in high-traffic environments.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 27-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Borealis has successfully completed a pioneering reusable cup pilot at K 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, demonstrating that large-scale reuse systems can be effectively implemented at major international events. The initiative marked the first time a comprehensive reusable cup system was introduced at K and across any event hosted at Messe Düsseldorf, offering a practical model for reducing waste and advancing circularity in high-traffic environments.

The pilot deployed 50,000 durable, lightweight reusable cups manufactured from Borealis’ foamable polypropylene and produced using chemically recycled feedstock derived from OMV’s ReOil® technology. The project was delivered through close collaboration across the value chain, with contributions from Bockatech, Faerch, MCC Global IML, and ARBURG, showcasing the importance of partnership in enabling circular solutions at scale.

Throughout the event, the reusable cups were used for serving both hot and cold beverages across all restaurants, bars, and food trucks at the fairground. They were also available at selected exhibitor locations, including the Borealis and Borouge stand and the MCC Global IML stand. To support the system, a dedicated collection and cleaning infrastructure was established, including approximately 50 collection points. This setup enabled cups to be collected, washed, and returned to circulation within a matter of hours.

Photo: Designed for reuse: Lightweight, durable, and made with chemically recycled feedstock using OMV’s ReOil® technology
© Borealis

Following the close of the fair, a significant portion of the cups had been successfully collected and cleaned, making them suitable for reuse. Of approximately 20,000 cups processed after the event, more than 4,000 were donated to local scout groups and smaller social initiatives in Düsseldorf. A further 15,000 cups were donated to Diakonie Düsseldorf, extending the life of the products while supporting community organisations. The donation process was coordinated with the support of Düsseldorf-based live marketing agency FORTESNICKEL.

Any remaining cups recovered from residual waste streams or identified as damaged were mechanically recycled by mtm plastics in Germany, part of the Borealis Group. This ensured that material from the pilot continued to circulate as high-quality feedstock for new applications, reinforcing the project’s circular design principles.

The pilot generated valuable insights into visitor engagement and operational feasibility, confirming that event attendees are willing to participate in reuse systems when they are clearly communicated and well supported. The initiative highlights how circular solutions can be successfully applied even within the complexity of large international trade fairs when all stakeholders across the value chain are aligned.

About Borealis
Borealis is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. In Europe, Borealis is also an innovative leader in polyolefins recycling and a major producer of base chemicals. We leverage our polymer expertise and decades of experience to offer value-adding, innovative and circular material solutions for key industries such as consumer products, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and mobility.

With customers in over 120 countries and head office in Vienna, Austria, Borealis employs around 6,200 people. In 2024, we generated a net profit of EUR 566 million. OMV, the sustainable chemicals, fuels and energy company with a focus on circular economy solutions, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, owns 75% of our shares. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), owns the remaining 25%.

In re-inventing essentials for sustainable living, we build on our commitment to safety, our people, innovation and technology, and performance excellence. We are accelerating the transformation to a circular economy of polyolefins and expanding our geographical footprint to better serve our customers around the globe. Our operations are augmented by two important joint ventures: Borouge (with ADNOC, headquartered in the UAE); and Baystar™ (with TotalEnergies, based in the US).
www.borealisgroup.com | www.borealiseverminds.com

Media Contacts:

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media@borealisgroup.com

SOURCE: BOREALIS