SIG and partners collaborate on beverage carton recycling solution in Egypt

SIG has partnered with social enterprise Plastic Bank, paper mill Carta Misr and TileGreen to establish what they claim is Egypt’s ‘first end-to-end recycling system’ for used aseptic beverage cartons.

According to SIG, at present there is no formalized system for waste collection and recycling in Egypt. The collaboration’s new system seeks to tackle every stage of the recycling process.

Plastic Bank oversees the collection of used beverage cartons, backed by a blockchain-secured platform said to provide full traceability and transparency in waste collection, aiming to empower waste collectors to convert discarded material into a source of revenue. Local paper mill Carta Misr separates paper fibres from the aluminum and polymer layers of the cartons to create high-quality recycled paper products and Egyptian startup TileGreen repurposes the PolyAl mix into durable interlock bricks.

The system also seeks to offer economic opportunities by creating steady livelihoods for waste collectors and engaging consumers through tangible applications of recycled materials such as roof tiles, inspiring greater participation in recycling.