As sustainability becomes an increasingly important priority, the industry is also seeking solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Advanced plastic pipe materials are therefore being engineered to combine durability, safety and processing efficiency with improved sustainability, helping utilities and infrastructure operators build resilient water networks for the future.
At Borouge International, they are supporting this transition by replacing 10% of the fossil-based feedstock in their established polypropylene (PP) grade BA160E-8229-01 with a bio-based alternative and launching the product as part of the Bornewables™ portfolio.
Established in 2026, Borouge International brings together Borouge, Borealis and NOVA Chemicals Corporation into a global polyolefins platform with complementary regional strengths, advanced technology capabilities and the scale to serve customers across key growth markets.
A high-performance, easy-to-process drinking water grade
Used in drinking water and irrigation applications, BA160E-8229-01 is a fully formulated, drinking water–approved compound based on a beta-nucleated PP heterophasic block copolymer. Designed for injection molding of pipe compression fittings and mechanical joints, it provides optimized mechanical properties.
BA160E-8229-01 also offers controlled crystallization behavior, enabling higher demolding temperatures and shorter cooling times, which help reduce cycle times and increase manufacturing productivity.
A drop-in solution made with certified bio-based feedstock
From now on, BA160E-8229-01 will be part of their Bornewables portfolio and will be produced using 10% bio-based feedstock from waste and residue streams, attributed via the mass balance approach. Bornewables versions of materials deliver the same quality and consistency as fossil-based alternatives, with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
The updated version of the grade is a true drop-in solution that retains the same performance, processing behavior, and drinking water approvals as the conventional version.
Certified, traceable sustainability
The use of bio-based feedstock is certified under the ISCC PLUS system, meaning the sourcing and traceability of the renewable feedstock are independently audited across the entire supply chain, from raw material to final product. The certification is based on mass balance accounting and establishes a verified chain of custody for bio-based materials, giving customers confidence in the sustainability claims associated with the grade.
By using bio-based feedstock in a drinking water pipe grade, we are making it easier for their infrastructure customers to move toward lower-carbon materials without adding complexity or requiring trade-offs. It is a practical example of how we’re enabling life’s essentials.
