LyondellBasell (LYB) recently joined the AZL partner network. As a global company in the chemical industry, they focus on innovative solutions that promote sustainable living. Through cutting-edge technology and targeted investments, the company specializes in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy.
As producer of polymers and polyolefin technology, LyondellBasell develops, manufactures, and markets highquality, innovative products. Their main offering addresses areas such as sustainable mobility, food safety, clean water, and advanced healthcare, aiming to make a significant contribution to both its customers and society.
To get to know the company and its activities better, we asked three questions that were answered by Uwe Braun, Director Technical Service Europe…
How does LyondellBasell combine innovation in polyolefin materials with the increasing demand for sustainability and lightweight solutions in industries such as mobility and infrastructure?
Innovation at LyondellBasell (LYB) starts with our customers. Every project begins with their application challenge, and lightweighting is often the first lever to achieve sustainability—because a lighter car or part can help lower the carbon footprint. We bring our full expertise across Polyolefins and engineered polymers to replace heavy materials with lighter ones. We develop compounds with lower density, apply advanced process technologies such as foaming, and we support the customers with intelligent part design. Foaming is a great example where we can cut weight significantly without losing performance. Once we reach the lightest solution, we go further by integrating recycled content through our circular solutions. That’s how we combine innovation with sustainability.
In infrastructure, durable polymers such as Polybutene-1 provide corrosion-resistant and lightweight alternatives to traditional materials.
At LYB, sustainability is at the core of our strategy and is fully embedded in our product offering—guiding how we innovate, design and deliver solutions across industries. Our Circulen product family includes grades sourced from mechanically and chemically recycled materials as well as grades based on bio-circular feedstocks.
Sources:
- LyondellBasell, Renault, Antolin introduce revolutionary foamed material for Renault Rafale LyondellBasell, Renault, and Antolin introduce revolutionary foamed material for Renault Rafale
- LyondellBasell Circulen portfolio overview
Circular and low carbon solutions | LyondellBasell - Polybutene-1 portfolio overview
Polybutene-1 | LyondellBasell
In which way does LyondellBasell integrate recyclability and circular production into the development of lightweight materials for different applications?
We embed circularity in material development from the start—through both design-for-recycling (e.g. monomaterial solutions for cooling pipes and connectors for EV batteries) and the use of recycled content.
The closed-loop concept ensures that materials remain in continuous use. Products are collected after use, contaminants are removed and the plastics are recycled into high-quality materials suitable for the same or similar applications.
In Lich, Germany, the LYB closed-loop preparation center is turning end-of-life automotive and white good appliance parts into high-grade recyclate for technical applications. These materials are incorporated into the CirculenRecover portfolio, enabling the production of lightweight compounds based on recycled content which can be used for different automotive and appliance components.
A recent example of how our CirculenRecover grades are being used in the automotive sector is our collaboration with Dacia. For their All-New Dacia Duster model, bumpers and trim parts were developed using their ‘Starkle®’ material, a polypropylene compound containing 20% recycled content sourced from postindustrial waste.
Sources:
- Closed-Loop preparation center in Germany
LyondellBasell tackles end-of-life challenges in durable goods by investing in a new recycling center in Germany - Collaboration story with Dacia
LyondellBasell and Dacia develop a recycled solution for the iconic Duster model - LyondellBasell Circulen portfolio overview
Circular and low carbon solutions | LyondellBasell
What role will polyolefin-based lightweight solutions play in your company’s strategy for the coming years, and in which industries do you see the greatest growth potential?
Polyolefin-based lightweight solutions are a strategic focus for both our customers and LYB. These materials help reduce weight, improve energy efficiency and support lower CO₂ emissions- contributing to the sustainability goals of key sectors.
In the automotive sector, the use of polypropylene compounds reinforced with glass or mineral fillers is increasing, particularly in electric vehicles where they help offset battery weight. Other high-potential sectors include electrical and electronics, where housings and components can be replaced by our advanced copolymers to improve both mass and cost efficiency. Our goal is to transition from complex material mixes of multiple polymers to mono-material polyolefin-based solutions. Polyolefins are easy to process, requiring less technical effort to design tools and run manufacturing operations. This makes production faster, more costeffective and consistent in quality.
The synergy of our broad polyolefin platform, our engineered polymers portfolio and an innovation-driven organization enables us to meet a wide range of technical and regulatory demands, while advancing global circular economy objectives.
Sources:
- Polypropylene compounds portfolio overview
Polypropylene compounds | LyondellBasell - Engineered polymers portfolio overview
Engineered polymers | LyondellBasell
What do you offer that could be of interest to AZL partner companies, and what are you looking for in the partnership with AZL?
AZL partners benefit from access to one of the most comprehensive portfolios of polymers and sustainable solutions on the market. Our materials have demonstrated success and are used across various applications like the Renault Rafale and the All-New Dacia Duster, where lightweighting is achieved with Polypropylene and engineered polymer compounds, contributing to improved resource efficiency.
Through our Advanced Polymer Solutions portfolio at LYB, we bring expertise in compounding, structural applications and regulatory excellence—valuable in both hybrid designs and advanced lightweight parts. We help customers shift from mixed materials to a mono-material solution. In the AZL network, we are seeking collaboration on lightweight structures incorporating recycled content, fiber-reinforced solutions and approaches that support material recovery and reuse. We bring scalable material technology and global development support—and we look forward to shaping the future of lightweight design together.
Sources:
- LyondellBasell, Renault, Antolin introduce revolutionary foamed material for Renault Rafale
LyondellBasell, Renault, and Antolin introduce revolutionary foamed material for Renault Rafale - Collaboration story with Dacia
LyondellBasell and Dacia develop a recycled solution for the iconic Duster model - Engineering Polymers product portfolio
Engineered polymers | LyondellBasell
Additional Information provided by LyondellBasell:
LYB helps your business thrive in a sustainability-focused environment by developing tailored solutions aligned to your goals. We deliver innovative, circular and low carbon solutions that work for your business, such as our robust Circulen portfolio of recycled and renewable-based polymers, which leverage a variety of cuttingedge recycling technologies, as well as innovative bio-circular sourced options. Our portfolio provides you with options to increase recycled content, helping reduce plastic waste in the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. Our technical expertise and integrated ecosystem ensure scalable, high-performing, traceable solutions tailored for your unique sustainability goals.
You can view our Sustainability approach here: Sustainability approach | LyondellBasell
You can see how we are bringing vision to value in our recent 2024 LYB Sustainability Report
Recent News: Updates & events | LyondellBasell
- LyondellBasell JV GXLYB receives FDA No Objection Letter for recycled PP and HDPE
- LYB receives Innovative Star Award from leading automotive supplier Yanfeng Plastic Omnium
- LYB receives supplier recognition award from Toyota Motor Europe
- LYB Dalian Site operates fully on 100% renewable electricity
- LYB launches Pro-fax EP649U: A new solution for rigid packaging with recycled and renewable-based options
- Premix, LyondellBasell and Maillefer launch joint polypropylene-based power cable solution
- Cyclyx to invest in second Cyclyx Circularity Center
- LYB launches new Schulamid grade to expand its Engineered Plastics portfolio for the automotive industry
Want to learn more about LyondellBasell? Visit their website or contact Uwe Braun directly.
The partnership brings together small to large companies across the composites value chain. Get in contact to assess the individual benefits for you company.
Contact
LyondellbASELL (LYB)
Uwe Braun
Director Technical Service Europe
Mail: Uwe.Braun@lyondellbasell.com
Contact
AZL Aachen GmbH
Philipp Fröhlig
Head of Industrial Services
Mail: philipp.froehlig@azl-aachen-gmbh.de
Phone: +49 (0)241 475735 – 14
