Proplanet expands its moulded product line using used beverage cartons
In Colombia's heart, Medellín Antioquia, Proplanet has been driving a transformative recycling initiative since 2012. Initially independent, it joined hands with Tetra Pak in 2014, marking a shift in its capabilities.
Presently, Proplanet separates Tetra Pak components to repurpose them into various products, from moulded pulp items for the food services sector to sheets of cardboard pulp for the tissue industry.
The company manufactures products and champions various recycling-related initiatives by collaborating with over 10,000 recyclers nationwide. Tetra Pak post-consumer packages find a renewed purpose in Proplanet's innovative cycle, safeguarding food and beverages and reincarnating into new, functional products.
Establishing a recycling value chain
Proplanet's challenge lay in establishing a value chain for Tetra Pak post-consumer cartons. To amplify engagement with waste pickers and elevate the value of recycling, they aimed to create high-demand, profitable products. With the ban on single-use plastic containers under Colombian law, the market demand for food service products surged, presenting an opportune moment. Proplanet's approach not only elevated the price of Tetra Pak post-consumer material by 30% but also garnered recognition for its commitment, consuming 1,350 tons/year and aiming for a substantial 11,000 tons/year consumption by 2030.
New line for moulded products
Through a collaboration with Tetra Pak, Proplanet introduced a game-changing solution: utilising 100% fibres from used beverage cartons. This comprehensive approach expanded its moulded product line, meeting the escalating demand for sustainable food service items. Additionally, Proplanet uses polyethylene and aluminium to create pellets for the injection industry. In a small proportion, this mixture is compressed with pressure and temperature to form sheets, which are then transformed into ceilings, floors, walls, and more. This innovative strategy increased Proplanet's capacity and attracted substantial investments, validating its operations' social, environmental, and economic impact.
New line for moulded products
Through a collaboration with Tetra Pak, Proplanet introduced a game-changing solution: utilising 100% fibres from used beverage cartons. This comprehensive approach expanded its moulded product line, meeting the escalating demand for sustainable food service items. Additionally, Proplanet uses polyethylene and aluminium to create pellets for the injection industry. In a small proportion, this mixture is compressed with pressure and temperature to form sheets, which are then transformed into ceilings, floors, walls, and more. This innovative strategy increased Proplanet's capacity and attracted substantial investments, validating its operations' social, environmental, and economic impact.
Through a collaboration with Tetra Pak, Proplanet introduced a game-changing solution: utilising 100% fibres from used beverage cartons. This comprehensive approach expanded its moulded product line, meeting the escalating demand for sustainable food service items. Additionally, Proplanet uses polyethylene and aluminium to create pellets for the injection industry. In a small proportion, this mixture is compressed with pressure and temperature to form sheets, which are then transformed into ceilings, floors, walls, and more. This innovative strategy increased Proplanet's capacity and attracted substantial investments, validating its operations' social, environmental, and economic impact.
Image: Recycling station produced from used beverage cartons.
Santiago Caceres, General Manager of Proplanet:
“Proplanet is committed to prove that Tetra Pak cartons not only protects the food and people, also the planet, bringing a recyclable package and it is helping to improve the income of thousands of collectors in Colombia and build sustainability through economical development. We want and can be an innovation centre for other recycler partners in other countries. We believe that together, we can to build a circular economy for all.”
Broader market outreach and new customers
Currently, Proplanet is on an expansion trajectory, doubling its capacity in the moulded pulp line. Embracing a new compact, automated line, the company is poised for further investments, aiming to amplify its installed capacity. Renovated facilities boasting international certifications pave the way for broader market outreach and new customers. Proplanet's growth projections from consuming 1,350 tons/year to exceeding 11,000 tons/year by 2030 underscore its commitment to safeguarding the planet while advancing its operations and influence. As Proplanet ascends in capacity and recognition, its mission to "protect the good of the planet" gains momentum, symbolising a formidable commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. By the symbiotic relationship with Tetra Pak, where sustainability, innovation, and economic viability converge to shape a better, more conscientious future.
Image: Bookshelves from recycled used beverage cartons.
Monica Montes, Sustainability manager for Colombia and Peru in Tetra Pak:
“Alliances to reach the goals are key for the sustainable development in our countries; so far, together with our partners as Proplanet, we are building a sustainable collection and recycling value chain for the post-consumer Tetra Pak cartons. The success of Proplanet is our success, is the success of more and more Tetra Pak cartons being transformed into new products.”
