Tetra Pak starts up USD 1.2m (ZAR 19m) carton-recycling plant in South Africa

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.

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