Tetra Pak Vietnam teams up with Dong Tien to double recycling capacity of used beverage cartons
Tetra Pak Vietnam, in line with its commitment to contributing to a low-carbon circular economy1, has collaborated with Dong Tien Packaging and Paper Co., Ltd. to enhance and expand the recycling capabilities of used beverage cartons in the country.
Background and initiative – scaling up Dong Tien’s recycling facility
The need for an efficient and sustainable carton recycling infrastructure in Vietnam prompted Tetra Pak and Dong Tien to join forces to increase the country's recycling capacity. In a joint initiative, Tetra Pak and Dong Tien co-invested over 3.5 million euros to upgrade and expand Dong Tien's recycling facility.
The results – more capacity to grow the circular economy
The upgraded line has nearly doubled the facility’s capacity for separating paper from Tetra Pak milk cartons to 17,000 tons per year. Additionally, the new recycling line enables the production of high-quality recycled pulp, which can be used to manufacture products such as napkins and office paper.
The improvements in recycling capacity at Don Tien’s facility contribute to increased recycling rates and resource sustainability in Vietnam. The creation of valuable products from high-quality recycled pulp helps to advance the circular economy, while also helping to raise the value of used Tetra Pak cartons and thereby generate more income for collectors.
Looking ahead – an important precedent for cooperation
This initiative marks the first time a foreign packaging solutions company has invested in boosting Vietnam's recycling industry, setting a precedent for future collaborations.
Tetra Pak and Dong Tien's successful cooperation sets the stage for further innovations and advancements in the carton recycling industry in Vietnam. Together, they will continue their joint efforts towards developing a robust carton recycling ecosystem, earning recognition and support from the government, food and beverage manufacturers, and other stakeholders in their shared mission towards a circular economy and more environmentally responsible packaging industry in Vietnam.
1The circular economy refers to a system in which materials never become waste and are kept in circulation through processes including recycling, reuse and composting. It tackles environmental challenges by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. Source: Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, What is a circular economy?
