TotalEnergies boosts recycled plastic in lubricant bottles

TotalEnergies Lubrifiants has introduced platinum-colored bottles for its premium product range, incorporating 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene, in Europe.

After successfully piloting the use of 50% PCR high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the Quartz Xtra product bottles in 2021, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants has scaled up the process. Since September 2023, all premium range bottles produced in France and Belgium, distinguished by their platinum color, are made from TotalEnergies rPE6314, a ready-to-use polyethylene compound.

This high-performing rHDPE grade, part of the circular polymer range RE:clic, is designed for blow molding applications, combining 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 maintains the same design, shape, and weight as the 100% fossil-based alternatives, while significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This innovation aligns with TotalEnergies’ ambition to contribute to a circular economy and reduce its use of virgin plastic.

“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,” said Jean Parizot, general manager, Inland markets at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants.

Olivier Greiner, vice president, Polymers Europe & Orient 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.”