Tetra Pak and KMK Paper - Maximizing Value from Carton Recycling
Tetra Pak teamed up with KMK Paper, a prominent paper producer, in 2016 to explore innovative ways of extracting maximum value from waste cartons. Our collaboration aimed to embrace circular economy principles and create a sustainable value chain for recycling carton packages.
Traditionally, carton recycling predominantly focused on recovering fibres from used packages. However, to fully unlock the potential of carton recycling, the challenge lay in efficiently utilizing not only the fibres but also the polymers and aluminium in the cartons. A comprehensive solution was needed to maximize resource recovery and create new market opportunities for recycled carton materials.
With a circular value chain development mindset, the partnership between Tetra Pak and KMK Paper embarked on a journey to optimise carton recycling. They successfully demonstrated the importance of efficiently recovering long and strong fibers from cartons for sustainable paper production. Moreover, recognizing the untapped potential of polymers and aluminum in cartons, the collaboration established a polyAl granule production plant. This forward-thinking solution allowed for the conversion of these materials into marketable secondary raw materials for various plastic products.
The results of Tetra Pak and KMK Paper's collaboration have been highly promising. By leveraging their circular value chain approach, they have transformed waste cartons into valuable resources, creating a wide base of waste suppliers and optimizing plant capacity utilization. The introduction of polyAl granules as a versatile end-product has been well-received in the market, opening up new avenues for sustainable plastic production.
Building on their successful partnership, Tetra Pak and KMK Paper are committed to advancing carton recycling further. The journey doesn't end with the polyAl granule production plant; both partners are continuously exploring innovative solutions and end-product development programs to maximize the recyclability of carton packages. Their focus remains on embracing sustainability, supporting circular economy principles, and expanding the market for recycled carton materials.
Location
Turkey
Companies involved
KMK
Tetra Pak contacts
Aydeniz Volkan
Pishro Asefeh
