Tetra Pak has joined forces with material recycling specialist Recresco in the UK to launch a new beverage carton collection and recycling service, introduced, the companies claim, in response to increasing UK consumer demand for such facilities.
From now on UK local authorities can arrange for Recresco to collect paper-based milk, juice and liquid food cartons for recycling. The company will send vehicles to collection locations, such as household recycling centres, storage bays, RoRo containers and “bring” sites, to pick up the cartons as part of the existing plastic bottle collection service. The mixed material will then be taken to nearby depots for sorting, after which Tetra Pak will ensure the cartons are recycled.
Recresco says it can offer a viable beverage carton collection system in partnership with Tetra Pak by combining carton pick up and recycling with its long-established plastic bottle collection service.
After collection the plastic containers and cartons are separated via sophisticated infrared technology. Subsequently, after being dropped into a pulper, filled with water and pulped for around 20 minutes the baled cartons are delaminated. The aluminium foil and polyethylene content are then separated from the fibre, which is recovered to make new paper products.
Currently, 30 local authorities are using Recresco collection banks and will be able to benefit immediately, while councils in Solihull, East Hertfordshire, Mansfield, St Helens and Gedling have just signed up to the new scheme.
Richard Hands, environment manager at Tetra Pak, says: “Beverage cartons can be recycled, but both carton collection and recycling in the UK still lag well behind European levels. We're making great strides towards reaching our goal of national coverage of carton collection by the end of 2008, with around 100 areas either collecting or in the pipeline. We hope even more local authorities will take advantage of the opportunity to provide residents with the recycling opportunities they want.”
For more information on the new service: T: 0845 094 5565 or visit: www.recresco.com
