#Sustainability

2020-12-17

Newly commissioned Biostoom waste-to-energy plant delivers steam and electricity to Borealis in Beringen, Belgium

Borealis and Bionerga announce the joint commissioning of Biostoom, a new waste-to-energy plant constructed and operated by Bionerga in Beringen, Belgium. The long-term agreement between Borealis and Bionerga, a Belgium-based specialist in recovering energy from waste, has enabled Borealis to move closer to its goal of sourcing 50% of its total electricity consumption from renewable sources for operations in its major business areas by the year 2030.

New state-of-the-art power station transforms non-recyclable waste from local households into electricity and steam

Successful first deliveries of steam and electricity to Borealis Beringen operations

Borealis moves one step closer to sourcing 50% of its total electricity consumption in operations from renewable sources

The new Biostoom Beringen facility is allowing Borealis to reduce the amount of natural gas used in operations by supplying steam and electricity recovered from processing of non-recyclable waste collected from nearby communities. The first electricity delivery took place in August, and the first steam was delivered in October 2020.

New biosteam power station reduces dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources

The newly build Biostoom power station supplies steam and electricity generated from non-hazardous, non-recyclable waste collected from local households in nearby Limburg. By reducing its dependency on fossil fuel based sources of energy, Borealis is lowering its direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions (defined as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) by 20% at its Beringen operations. The state-of-the-art facility generates steam and electricity exclusively for Borealis operations on site. The facility will supply nearly 100% of the electricity consumed by Borealis Beringen operations, of which 47% is considered renewable. The intake of natural gas will be reduced by around 40%.

“Life demands progress. Borealis is taking concrete steps to bring about a circular economy based on reuse, recovery and recycling. The Biostoom Beringen project is the perfect example of re-inventing for more sustainable living: if materials are not recyclable, recovering energy is the best alternative for waste that would otherwise be landfilled,” says Martijn van Koten, Borealis Executive Vice President Base Chemicals & Operations. “The fact that this project is sourcing non-recyclable waste from adjacent communities further strengthens the sustainability aspect.”

“The success of this project is the result of the careful planning and preparations carried out by highly-qualified Borealis and Bionerga teams,” says Thomas van De Velde, Borealis Senior Vice President Hydrocarbons & Energy. “This waste-to-energy recovery plant is bringing a sustainability step-change to the Borealis Beringen site. We aim to deepen and solidify co-operation with partners like Bionerga in the future.”

Biostoom Waste Energy Plant In Beringen Belgium © Bionerga, Frozen Moments 52

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.