Capable of recycling up to 40% (25,000 tonnes) of the cartons manufactured each year for the UK food and drink market, the new plant is expected to significantly boost recycling rates. That’s 1.25 billion cartons that could be recycled.
The plant is a joint initiative between the Alliance for Beverage Cartons & the Environment (ACE) UK – representing the leading beverage carton manufacturers Tetra Pak, Elopak and SIG Combibloc – and paper and packaging producer Sonoco Alcore.
Sonoco Alcore will take advantage of the strength and quality of the virgin wood fibres found in cartons by turning them into industrial-strength coreboard at its paper mill located on the same site. This is then made into 100% recyclable tubes and cores, which are used to wrap paper, manmade fibre yarns, and metal and plastic film for industrial applications.
“Dealing with waste and recycling properly is not only good for the environment but can boost economic growth and create jobs.” said Lord de Mauley. “This new recycling plant is an exciting development and I’m delighted to see businesses working together to improve our ability to recycle more here in the UK.
“There is a huge global market for waste and recycling and I want to see UK businesses leading the way on this and helping us compete in the global race.”
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