EGYPT – Swedish-Swiss multinational food packaging and processing company, Tetra Pak has just signed a US$2.5 million contract with Uniboard for the establishment of a cardboard recycling unit in used beverage cartons (UBC).
The investment will be used to build a facility able to recycle 8,000 tonnes of UBC per year and should be operational in 2023.
According to details relayed by local media Zawya, the plant should also be able to operate at full capacity for the next five years after launch.
The project, which is part of Tetra Pak’s sustainability program, will enable Uniboard to consolidate its market share in the cardboard segment in Egypt as well as in the international market.
Wael Khoury, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Egypt Area, said, “Tetra Pak recycling goal is an integral part of our strategy to drive environmental excellence.”
“While we do not typically own or operate collection infrastructure or recycling plants, we make specific investments and contributions, provide technical expertise and share the experience gained globally with recycling partners around the world.
“We also cooperate with all key stakeholders, public institutions, waste management and collection companies, NGOs, retailers and our customers to make recycling work.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Sherif El Moallem, CEO of Uniboard said, “This partnership is the first of its kind in North Africa and it reinforces Uniboard’s position as a leader in the international paper board market.
“Uniboard transforms recycled wastepaper into paperboard, and we are happy to partner with Tetra Pak to add recycling of used beverage cartons to our portfolio.
“This joint project is further evidence of our commitment to environmental protection and is an important milestone in our ambitious plans towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which rank high among our priorities.”
As part of its continuous efforts to increase collection and recycling of UBC, Tetra Pak aims to collaborate with other industry players and relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
The objective is to develop industry coalitions towards a combined effort with local authorities to support the development and implementation of waste management policies and practices.
This agreement between the two groups demonstrates both companies’ commitment to driving environmental excellence and to contribute to a sustainable future.
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