A focus on carton recycling
The collaboration commenced with the installation of a dedicated pulping line exclusively for carton recycling. Joint efforts now focus on expanding the input of cartons and further enhancing the capacity to process 24,000 tonnes of cartons annually. The recycled material derived from this process serves as a crucial resource in producing liner paper for corrugated boxes, facilitating a closed-loop approach to packaging materials.
Working with Bio Pappel has been instrumental in transforming carton recycling in Mexico. By installing a dedicated pulping line exclusively for carton recycling, the initiative marked a crucial step forward.
RESULTS
Expanding for growth and development
As of 2023, the cooperation expanded to include polyAl recyclers IMERSSA. This expansion includes the installation of a polyAl1 compaction and handling system for improved handling and transportation. After processing, the polyAl material is shipped from the Bio Pappel paper mill to IMERSSA’s facility.
Tetra Pak is also investing in the installation of a polyAl cleaning and pelletising line that will be put into operation in the middle of 2024. The objective is to send the additional volume of polyAl that will increase as the recycled tonnes of used beverage cartons increase. The line is being installed with IMERSSA as part of Tetra Pak’s commitment with Bio Pappel to send polyAl produced using the line for recycling.
1The non-fibre component of carton packages is known as polyAl, which designates the layers of polyolefins and aluminium being used as a barrier against oxygen and humidity to protect the food content in aseptic carton packages.
Investing in carton and polyAl recycling
Tetra Pak will continue to work to increase the recycling of carton packaging in Mexico. Cooperation with firms such as Bio Pappel has resulted in an annual recycling total of over 54,000 tons per year. This increase in the recycling of used beverage cartons is the result of an action plan involving several initiatives that include supporting the value of carton collection for making new corrugated boxes, as well as investment in increased capacity for polyAl recycling. In 2024 and beyond, planned developments include working with big paper mills to increase their installed recycling capacity, along with efforts to expand collection coverage.
