Following a pilot started in 2021 on the Quartz Xtra product bottles, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is now applying the process of incorporating 50% PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to a larger scale. From September 2023 onwards, all premium range bottles produced in France and Belgium, recognizable by their platinum color, are being made notably from TotalEnergies rPE6314, a ready-to-use polyethylene compound.
Produced at TotalEnergies’ plant in Antwerp and part of the circular polymer range RE:clic, this high-performing rHDPE grade designed for blow moulding applications combines carefully selected recycled polyethylene from post-consumer waste with a high-performing virgin booster. Its high quality and consistency allow for trouble-free processing on existing industrial equipment. The resulting bottle features the same design, shape, and weight as the 100% fossil-based alternatives, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
This innovation is aligned with TotalEnergies’ ambition to contribute to a circular economy and reduce its own use of virgin plastic.
Jean Parizot, General Manager Inland markets at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, said: “We’re moving towards 50% recycled packs by 2030 for all small packaging produced in France and Belgium, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of our production and contributing to a more circular economy”.
Olivier Greiner, Vice President, Polymers Europe & Orient at TotalEnergies, said: “This packaging development brought to the EU market is the result of an internal effort to address the challenge of end-of-life plastics. It demonstrates our shared commitment as a Company to promote the circular economy, and fully supports our ambition of reaching 1 million tons of circular polymers by 2030”.
