Tetra Pak has commissioned its USD 1.2m (ZAR 19m) PolyAl processing plant in Germiston, Gauteng, which separates polyethylene and aluminium from used beverage cartons after paper fibre is recovered by Mpact. Manufacturing partner Timber Plastics converts the recovered material into outdoor furniture, roof tiles and pipes, supporting Tetra Pak's target of lifting South Africa's carton recycling rate to 40% by 2030 from 33% currently.
Why this mattersThe plant gives South Africa a domestic processing route for a carton residual stream that previously had none, backing collection targets set by industry scheme Petco.
- The PolyAl plant in Germiston, Gauteng cost USD 1.2m (ZAR 19m) and has now been commissioned.
- The plant separates polyethylene and aluminium layers from used beverage cartons after paper fibre recovery.
- Manufacturing partner Timber Plastics converts recovered PolyAl pellets into outdoor furniture, roof tiles and pipes.
- Mpact recovers the paper fibre from the cartons at its own mill before the PolyAl is processed.
- South Africa's carton recycling rate has risen from 8% in 2023 to 33% currently, with Tetra Pak targeting 40% by 2030.
- The CSIR has supported development of end-use applications including roof tiles and pipes positioned as alternatives to cement and HDPE products.
Tetra Pak has invested ZAR 19 million in an automated carton-recycling machine at its Johannesburg facility, separating aluminium and polyethylene from cartons to produce pellets for roof tiles, pipes and furniture. The company aims to raise South Africa's carton recycling rate from 33% to 40% within two years. The plant is operated by manufacturing partner Unique Timber Plastics in Heriotdale and will create 24 direct jobs, with recycler Mpact and producer-responsibility organisation Petco exploring applications for the recycled pellets.
Why this mattersLocal mechanical recycling capacity for cartons cuts landfill volumes and virgin material use, and could template circular supply chains for other multinationals in Africa.
- Tetra Pak invested ZAR 19 million in an automated carton-recycling machine at its Johannesburg facility
- The machine separates aluminium and polyethylene from paperboard cartons to produce pellets for roof tiles, pipes and furniture
- Tetra Pak aims to lift South Africa's carton recycling rate from 33% to 40% within two years
- The plant is operated by manufacturing partner Unique Timber Plastics in Heriotdale and will create 24 direct jobs
- Local recycler Mpact and industry body PRO Petco are exploring applications for the recycled pellets
- Petco's members include Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Tiger Brands and Tetra Pak itself
- Cartons processed are typically 70 percent paperboard, 25 percent polyethylene and 5 percent aluminium composite
- South African carton recycling rose from 8 percent in 2023 to 33 percent today, ahead of the 40 percent target
