Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers collaborate to advance carton recycling with PolyAl technology

For several years, Recon Polymers has been pioneering the development of a cutting-edge technology to recycle PolyAl, the combination of polyethylene and aluminum in beverage cartons.

In 2017, the company established a pilot plant to refine this technology, and with invaluable support from Tetra Pak, it evolved into a full-fledged commercial plant that commenced operations in early 2021.

This state-of-the-art facility boasts an impressive annual capacity of 7500 tonnes and has the potential for further expansion, doubling its capacity.

The primary challenge Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers aimed to address was the efficient recycling of PolyAl, a vital component in beverage cartons. Proper recycling was crucial to avoid waste generation's environmental consequences and contribute to a circular economy. By creating a sustainable recycling solution for PolyAl, Tetra Pak sought to enhance the overall recyclability of carton packages in the Netherlands and beyond. The goal was to demonstrate that large-scale recycling and producing high-quality end products to replace virgin plastic materials were feasible.

Pile of polyAl pellets

Together, Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers collaborated intensively since 2019 to further develop the PolyAl recycling technology. The successful outcomes prompted the adoption of this economically viable technology in 2021. As part of their joint efforts, Tetra Pak invested EUR 1 million to bolster Recon Polymers' recycling plant in Roosendaal, Netherlands.

This investment is expected to expand the plant's recycling capacity to a minimum of 8,000 tonnes annually. By increasing the capacity, the project contributed significantly to the European Union's pursuit of optimizing recycling and waste management.

Containers

The impact of this collaboration was far-reaching and significant. The improved recycling capacity made it possible to recycle approximately 30% of all PolyAl from beverage cartons collected for recycling in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The polyAl recycling process efficiently transformed beverage cartons into circularly applicable raw materials used within the plastics processing industry. The applications of PolyAl ranged from producing reusable pallets to creating interiors and large-format 3D-printed objects. The success of the project showcased the viability of recycled beverage cartons and their crucial role in advancing the circular economy.

Building upon the accomplishments of this collaboration, Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers are committed to further expanding the application of the PolyAl recycling technology. With the plant's capacity boost, the collaboration aims to explore opportunities to expand PolyAl recycling capacity beyond the Netherlands, potentially impacting other regions positively. The next phase of this partnership will focus on optimizing cost and energy efficiency, striving for even greater sustainability in recycling and waste management.

The joint endeavor of Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers has not only showcased the potential of PolyAl recycling but has also set a remarkable example of corporate commitment towards sustainability. Through this pioneering initiative, the two companies are spearheading the transformation of carton recycling, leaving a lasting impact on the environment and inspiring the adoption of circular economy practices worldwide.

Location
Netherlands

Companies involved
Recon Polymers

Tetra Pak contacts
Nathalie.Walter@tetrapak.com