Food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak Southern Africa had increased the recycling rate of liquid board packaging (LBP) to more than 20% by mid-2024, bringing it closer to its recycling collection rate target of 28% by the end of the year.

The company aims to increase this to 40% by 2030.

“Tetra Pak has led the way in recycling efforts for LBP, distinguishing itself in South Africa as the principal producer actively involved in this initiative,” says Tetra Pak Southern Africa MD Klaus Plenge.

The company has invested more than R54-million in the infrastructure and processes required to efficiently manage and recycle cartons.

Further, in January 2023, Tetra Pak partnered with producer responsibility organisation Petco to drive its sustainability programme and, through the collaboration, Petco, having previously focused on PET plastics, is now also recycling cartons.

Tetra Pak has also spent the past year establishing systems and collaborating with major recyclers Mpact and Gayatri Paper Mills, which have incorporated Tetra Pak LBP carton collection into their operations.

These strategic partnerships and collaborations are critical for Tetra Pak to achieve its sustainability goals, says Tetra Pak sustainability manager Masale Manoko.

“The significant increase in growth this year highlights the effectiveness of our key partnerships. Our strategy, built on strong collaborations with our customers, has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability initiatives and making a positive impact on the market.”

Further, in addition to the budget of R17-million for 2024, Tetra Pak invested a further R3.5-million to enhance collection systems by deploying 11 young professionals to work with buy-back centres nationally as recycling champions to educate waste pickers and buy-back centres about Tetra Pak’s carton recycling across South Africa.

Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz points out that Tetra Pak’s results are testament to the successful partnership with the packaging solutions company aimed at bolstering the collection and recycling of LBP.

“We have now taken everything we have learned over our 19-year journey with PET and are applying our experience to building a sustainable model for LBP. This is in line with our expanded vision to drive circularity within the broader packaging value chain.”

“By leveraging business alliances, making significant investments, and expanding its initiatives, Tetra Pak is steadfast in its dedication to achieving a substantial increase in recycling rates and fostering sustainability in South Africa and beyond,” Scholtz continues.

Meanwhile, Tetra Pak’s schools programme with 22 schools in the Eastern Cape last year resulted in more than 270 000 LBP packages collected and awarding prizes such as recycled PolyAl school desks produced in South Africa and other school equipment.

The company plans to continue and expand this initiative to four provinces in the third quarter of 2024.

“Recycling is a cooperative effort which requires all hands von deck, so we call on everyone from schools, communities, businesses and governments to become involved in creating an effective and sustainable recycling ecosystem. Our focus is to build a sustainable and efficient recycling value chain,” concludes Plenge.

Tetra Pak was recently honoured with a prestigious Petco Award for its outstanding environmental education and awareness efforts within local communities.