Tetra Pak collaborates with Plastigram to advance polyAl recycling from used beverage cartons
Plastigram Industries, a Czech company based in Prague, has pioneered a method to recycle polyAl1 from carton packages. The company's innovative technology promises to transform post-consumer carton waste into valuable recycled materials.
Background and initiative – a new method for a new facility
Plastigram sought to develop an efficient and patented process for recycling polyAl, a vital component of carton packaging. Backed by Meridon Innovative Technologies Fund, the company embarked on constructing the first recycling factory in Czechia in August 2019.
Image: PolyAl pellets/LDPE granulate
Results – innovative technology for efficient recycling
Used beverage cartons are commonly recycled in paper mills, where the paper component is separated from the remaining polyAl (polyethylene and aluminium).
The process developed by Plastigram enables the further recovery of plastics (LDPE granulate and regrind from caps) from aluminium. The company's patented technology enables the separation, paving the way for producing high-quality materials.
The collaboration between Tetra Pak and Plastigram has the potential to generate significant impacts: by converting post-consumer carton waste into valuable materials, the partnership fosters a circular economy , reducing waste and promoting recycling.
With recycling factories in Czechia and now Poland, Plastigram has the facilities to process the remaining materials after the aseptic cartons' paper component has been removed for recycling.
Looking forward – continued collaboration and innovation
Plastigram's state-of-the-art recycling factory will be pivotal in scaling up polyAl recycling operations. Tetra Pak and Plastigram will continue collaborating to develop innovative solutions for recycling post-consumer carton packages, contributing to more sustainable future.
1The non-fibre component of carton packages is known as polyAl, which designates the layers of polyolefins and aluminium being used as barrier against oxygen and humidity to protect the food content in aseptic carton packages.
2The circular economy refers to a system in which materials never become waste and are kept in circulation through processes including recycling, reuse and composting. It tackles environmental challenges by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. Source: Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, What is a circular economy?
Location
Czech Republic
Companies involved
Plastigram Industries
For more information
Plastigram Industries
Tetra Pak contacts
Ledvina Stepan
