#United States #Syndigo #NOVA Chemicals #Connersville #Borouge

Borouge International Achieves New Certifications at SYNDIGO1

In an impressive milestone for the global polyolefins industry, Borouge International, a product of the merger between Borouge plc, Borealis GmbH, and NOVA Chemicals Corporation, has announced the successful attainment of two prestigious certifications for its SYNDIGO1 polyethylene mechanical recycling facility, located in Connersville, Indiana. This achievement highlights the company's dedication to fostering robust recycling capabilities and technical excellence in plastic film recycling and reclaimed polyethylene production.

The certifications include the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) certification and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certification. The APR PCR certification is a third-party evaluation that verifies that the prime recycled polyethylene resins produced at SYNDIGO1 are compliant with strict international standards for traceability and quality. This certification affirms that the recycled materials meet stringent criteria for tracking and maintaining product integrity, which is critical for customers and stakeholders alike.

To earn the APR certification, Borouge demonstrated robust processes in supplier qualification, quality assurance, comprehensive sorting assessments, regulatory compliance testing, and thorough supplier audits. Each of these steps ensures the ability to trace back feedstock sources from collected film bales to the final product. The SYNDIGO1 facility is among the first polyethylene recyclers in North America to achieve this notable certification, underscoring its leadership in the recycling sector.

Moreover, achieving the ISO 9001 certification marks a significant step in establishing a formal quality management system dedicated to continuous improvement. This globally recognized standard not only connotes excellence in operational procedures but also plays a crucial role in paving the way toward a food safety management strategy, with Borouge aiming to produce 100% recycled LLDPE for food-contact applications later this year.

Anna Rajkovic, Circular Economy Market Manager at NOVA Chemicals, emphasized the importance of these certifications, stating, "These certifications reflect the deliberate choices we've made to build recycling processes that operate with the same rigor, discipline, and expertise as our virgin polyethylene business. By combining mechanical recycling technology with comprehensive quality systems and traceability, we are delivering rPE our customers can rely on for performance, safety, and product stewardship."

In addition to the APR and ISO certifications, the SYNDIGO1 facility has previously obtained the Recycled Material Standard (RMS) certification from GreenBlue and Letters of Non-Objection (LNO) from both Canada’s Health Products Food Branch and the US FDA for food-contact recycled LLDPE capabilities. These qualifications collectively endorse the facility's robust recycling processes and the quality of its recycled resin products.

The progress at the SYNDIGO1 facility is noteworthy, as it signifies Borouge's strategic direction towards sustainable practices within the polymer industry. In March 2026, the facility successfully completed its first commercial order, marking a significant step in its operational capabilities. Additionally, a 200,000-pound railcar shipment of SYNDIGO™ rPE-IN3 has been initiated, showcasing the facility's production scalability.

Established in 2026, Borouge International represents a collaborative force in the polyolefins market, combining the strengths of Borouge plc, Borealis GmbH, and NOVA Chemicals. The new company is backed by significant stakeholders, such as XRG—ADNOC's international investment arm—and OMV. With a focus on delivering materials designed for recyclability and reduced resource intensity, Borouge International is committed to offering high-performance polyolefin solutions across various sectors, including consumer products, energy, infrastructure, and more.

As Borouge International moves forward, these certifications are crucial in aligning its operations with the growing expectations for transparency and sustainability within the industry. The company’s commitment to recycle, while maintaining high standards of quality and safety, sets a precedent for other industry players aiming to embrace sustainable practices in plastic production and recycling.

For further information on Borouge International and its circular solutions, visit their website here.