Paraguay celebrates milestone with first integrated facility for beverage carton recycling
Paraguay achieved a significant milestone in its waste management efforts by commissioning its first beverage carton recycling facility. This fully integrated plant showcases the country's dedication to promoting the principles of a circular economy1.
Background and initiative – starting out right with a comprehensive solution
Before establishing this recycling facility, Paraguay lacked a dedicated infrastructure for recycling post-consumer carton packages. The first post-consumer carton recycling facility in Paraguay, commissioned in 2022, provides a comprehensive solution to the recycling of beverage cartons. The plant is able to handle up to 1,500 tonnes of carton packages annually.
The results – a closed-loop system for the packaging industry
The facility is fully integrated, efficiently utilising materials from carton packages. The fibres from the packages are recycled and repurposed to produce secondary packaging and paper boards for palletising (which facilitates the storage, handling and transport of packaged goods). This creates a closed-loop system, where carton package fibres are reused within the packaging industry. The polyAl components from carton packages are also recycled into boards and tiles, adding value to recycled materials and promoting a circular economy.
By recycling fibres and polyAl components into secondary packaging, boards and tiles, the facility exemplifies circular economy principles while reducing the environmental footprint of the carton packages it recycles.
Looking forward – a valuable precedent for future recycling initiatives
The successful commissioning of the first post-consumer carton recycling facility sets a precedent for Paraguay's waste management practices. The country can build on this achievement by expanding recycling initiatives, forging strategic collaborations, and continuing to promote a circular economy. Through ongoing dedication, Paraguay can continue making strides in sustainability and environmental stewardship for years to come.
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?
Paraguay’s first integrated facility for beverage carton recycling
Where:
Paraguay
For more information:
Ricardo.Honorato@tetrapak.com
