TotalEnergies accelerates incorporation of recycled plastics into lubricant bottles

TotalEnergies’ range of premium lubricants in Europe is now packaged in platinum-coloured bottles containing 50% post-consumer recycled polyethylene, produced by the company’s own polymers segment.

Following a pilot started in 2021 on the Quartz Xtra product bottles, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants says that it 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 colour, are being made notably from TotalEnergies rPE6314, a ready-to-use polyethylene compound.

Produced at TotalEnergies’ plant in Antwerp and part of the RE:clic polymer range, the company says that this rHDPE grade designed for blow moulding applications combines “carefully selected recycled polyethylene from post-consumer waste with a high-performing virgin booster.”

According to the company, the polymer’s “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, TotalEnergies says, a “significantly reduced” carbon footprint.

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 at TotalEnergies, added: “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”.

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