UAE – Tetra Pak, a global leader in food packaging and processing, has unveiled a groundbreaking recycling line for carton packages in partnership with Union Paper Mills (UPM), a leading paper recycling company in the UAE.
This innovative project, backed by a joint investment of AED 2.5 million (US$0.68m), aims to process up to 10,000 tonnes of post-consumer carton packaging annually, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to the nation’s circular economy.
The initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing the UAE’s recycling infrastructure. It underscores Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainability and its guiding principle, “Protect What’s Good” – safeguarding food, people, and the planet.
The project creates a comprehensive recycling value chain encompassing collection, sorting, and processing, driving the UAE closer to achieving its Green Agenda 2030 goals.
“This new recycling line encapsulates Tetra Pak’s sustainability vision and aligns with the UAE’s strategic environmental objectives,” said Marcelo Piva, Sustainability Director for the Middle East and Africa at Tetra Pak.
“Public-private partnerships are vital for advancing waste management practices. By collaborating with UPM and engaging with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), we’re working towards implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, ensuring a more efficient recycling ecosystem.”
The state-of-the-art recycling line at UPM utilizes cutting-edge pulping technology to separate high-quality virgin paper fibers from aluminum and polymer (polyAl) layers in cartons.
These fibers are then repurposed to produce premium paperboard for packaging, enhancing resource efficiency.
The polyAl byproduct is also valuable, with applications in the plastics industry, including 3D printing, construction materials, and injection molding.
Shabbir Ibrahim Haideri, Group CEO of M.A.H.Y. Khoory & Co., praised the partnership, “Our collaboration with Tetra Pak elevates our shared commitment to sustainability and circularity. Launching this advanced recycling line strengthens the UAE’s recycling infrastructure and paves the way for a greener future.”
Tetra Pak’s global recycling efforts include partnerships with over 200 recycling companies, investing nearly €40 million (US$42.29m) in 2023 alone to accelerate carton recycling.
This led to the collection and recycling of approximately 1.3 million tonnes of cartons worldwide, reflecting a 7% increase in volume and achieving a global recycling rate of 27%.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the UAE, Tetra Pak is working with local waste management companies and promoting consumer awareness through educational initiatives.
This initiative is a significant step in transforming the UAE’s recycling landscape and fostering sustainable development across the region.
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