Carton Council, Tetra Pak, and Michigan organizations collaborate to enhance carton recycling infrastructure in the US


Michigan, USA, witnessed improvements in carton recycling infrastructure, thanks to a collaborative effort involving Carton Council, Tetra Pak, and local organizations. The initiative aims to enhance the recycling of post-consumer food and beverage cartons in the region.

Through the partnership between Carton Council, Tetra Pak, and Michigan-based organizations, new equipment was installed at the Great Lakes Tissue Company, significantly boosting carton processing capacity. The upgraded equipment allows the paper mill to process more cartons efficiently.

Moreover, the innovative equipment enables the removal of 75% more water from the polyAl material during the recycling process. As a result, the weight of the polyAl material is reduced, leading to more efficient transportation and reduced impact.

The improvements in carton recycling infrastructure in Michigan are set to have far-reaching impacts. The new equipment enables the Great Lakes Tissue Company to process more cartons, resulting in improved carton recycling rates and contributing to a more sustainable waste management system. The recycling process removes a significant amount of water from the polyAl material, reducing its weight and lowering transportation emissions. Additionally, the captured water is reused in the recycling process, promoting responsible water use. The polyAl material, once processed, is sent to St. Mary's Cement in Charlevoix, Michigan, to offset the use of coal as fuel, further promoting environmental conservation.

The successful enhancements in carton recycling infrastructure serve as a blueprint for future improvements in other regions. The collaboration between Carton Council, Tetra Pak, and local organizations sets a positive example of industry cooperation for responsible waste management. Continuing these efforts and forging additional partnerships will lead to further advancements in carton recycling and contribute to a greener and more sustainable packaging industry in the US and beyond.

Where:
USA

Companies involved:
Carton Council, Great Lakes Tissue Company and St. Mary Cement

For more information:
Jason.Pelz@tetrapak.com