Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers have collaborated intensively since 2019 to further develop polyAl recycling technology. The project evolved into a full-fledged commercial plant that commenced operations in early 2021.
A focus on efficient polyAl recycling
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 the environmental consequences of waste generation and contribute to a circular economy2. 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 the feasibility of large-scale recycling and producing high-quality end products to replace virgin plastic materials.
Towards full industrial scale
Successful outcomes prompted the adoption of this economically viable technology for use at larger scale. As part of their joint efforts, Tetra Pak invested EUR 1 million to bolster Recon Polymers' recycling plant in Roosendaal, Netherlands. The plant was officially inaugurated on November 15, 2023, and gradually moved towards an updated recycling capacity of 8,000 tonnes per year. This enables the project to contribute significantly to the European Union's pursuit of optimising recycling and waste management.
The impact of this collaboration has been far-reaching and significant. The improved recycling capacity makes 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 transforms beverage cartons into circularly applicable raw materials used within the plastics processing industry. The applications of polyAl range from producing reusable pallets to creating interiors and large-format 3D-printed objects. The success of the project showcases the viability of recycled beverage cartons and their crucial role in advancing the circular economy. Recon has also entered into a cooperation with plastic pallet producer AVK Plastics in the Netherlands, for the inclusion of the recycled polyAl into the pallets produced by this company.
LOOKING AHEAD
PolyAl and the circular economy
Building upon the accomplishments of this collaboration, Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers are committed to extending the application of polyAl recycling technology. With the plant's capacity boost, the collaboration aims to explore opportunities for even more capacity, potentially impacting other regions. The next phase of this partnership will focus on optimising cost and energy efficiency, striving for even greater sustainability in recycling and waste management.
The additional capacity from recent upgrades contributes towards reaching the Netherlands’ official recycling target, which not only accounts for fibre recycling but also polyAl recycling. This target will evolve from 34% in 2023 to 55% by 2030.The joint endeavour of Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers not only showcases the potential of polyAl recycling but also sets a remarkable example of corporate commitment towards sustainability. Through this pioneering initiative, the two companies continue to spearhead the transformation of carton recycling, leaving a lasting impact on the environment and inspiring the adoption of circular economy practices worldwide.
