#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

“Production is a product”

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“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

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“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

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ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

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180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

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Cascale launches member-led process to shape 2030 strategy

Cascale has launched a member-led process to define the industry alliance’s strategic direction for the next decade. At the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026 in Athens, CEO Ying McGuire announced that members will contribute to an industry system map that will inform Cascale’s 10-year vision, its 2030 strategy and priorities for 2027. The new strategy is scheduled to be finalized in December.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

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Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 draws to a close, weaving sustainable innovation into global sourcing

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