Tetra Pak and Axjo Group establish Northern Europe's leading recycling hub for PolyAl
Tetra Pak and Axjo Group have pioneered a feasibility study to build Northern Europe's main recycling hub for polyAl1, advancing circular economy goals.
Tetra Pak and Axjo Group have joined forces to initiate a feasibility study in Gislaved, Sweden, aimed at constructing a state-of-the-art recycling plant for PolyAl from used beverage cartons. Through this strategic collaboration, the two companies aim to establish circular solutions for beverage cartons in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, showcasing the potential to utilise these valuable resources in various applications.
Efficient recycling of PolyAl
The non-fibre component of beverage cartons, PolyAl, presents some challenges in terms of efficient recycling and resource utilisation. Finding sustainable alternatives for PolyAl recycling and transformation is thus a priority for Tetra Pak.
New recycling investments in Sweden
Tetra Pak and Axjo Group have embarked on a pioneering journey to build a PolyAl recycling plant to address the challenge. With a joint investment of up to €24 million, the facility is set to become operational in 2025, boasting an annual recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes.
The plant will leverage recycled PolyAl components from used Tetra Pak packages, which Axjo Group will incorporate into injection moulded plastic products. These products include cable drums, reels, spools, and plastic storage boxes, contributing to Axjo's innovative Greenology® materials with a lower carbon footprint.
Valuable resource with multiple applications
Establishing the PolyAl recycling plant marks a significant milestone in achieving a circular economy for beverage cartons in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. By transforming used PolyAl into valuable products with an extended lifecycle, the project demonstrates that beverage cartons can serve as a valuable resource with multiple applications. The recycling hub aligns with the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and bolsters the food packaging sector's sustainability transformation.
Moreover, this initiative will create new job opportunities in the municipality of Gislaved, driving local economic growth and fostering sustainable development.
Industry commitment to sustainability and circularity
The upcoming PolyAl recycling plant sets the stage for a more sustainable future for the food packaging industry. By showcasing the potential of circularity for beverage cartons, Tetra Pak and Axjo Group hope to inspire other regions and industries to adopt similar sustainable practices. As the beverage carton industry continues to invest in expanding recycling capacity, the focus remains on meeting and exceeding the circularity goals outlined in the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The collaborative efforts of Tetra Pak and Axjo Group in establishing the PolyAl recycling hub represent a step towards advancing circular economy goals in Northern Europe. Through this innovative solution, used beverage cartons will find new life in a range of plastic products, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices. The PolyAl recycling plant serves as an inspiring model for other regions and industries to follow, ushering in a future defined by sustainability and responsible resource management.
1The non-fibre component of carton packages is known as polyAl, which designates the layers of polyolefins and aluminium being used as barrier against oxygen and humidity to protect the food content in aseptic carton packages.
Where:
Sweden
Companies involved:
Axjo
For more information:
Elizabeth Anderberg
