Beverage carton recycling: sensible, feasible and sustainable

The GKR association presented the results of its beverage carton recycling program.From waste management to a circular economy: that is the goal of the Beverage Carton Recycling Association (GKR). In 2011, the GKR association set itself the goal of clarifying the purpose and feasibility of nationwide beverage carton recycling. During the three-year pilot phase until the end of 2014, around 90 public collection points were gradually set up. In mid-April 2015, the GKR association presented its report on the pilot collection to its partners - municipalities, disposal companies and recyclers - and the findings are positive: the practical tests have shown that beverage carton recycling makes ecological sense, is technically feasible and economically viable. The population is interested and is taking part. Beverage carton recycling creates significant added value for the municipalities and participating retailers. Transport from the collection point to the recycler can be handled efficiently via the collection logistics of other recyclable materials. The figures collected prove the ecological advantage of recycling over incineration. The recycling of beverage cartons provides high-quality fibers that are in demand as a secondary raw material in the carton industry. Model AG is responsible for recycling, which recycles and processes the material from the pilot collection points in eleven cantons at its paper mill in Weinfelden/TG. Plant manager Andreas Klumpp is satisfied: "We at Model AG have promoted beverage carton recycling on our own initiative. Now we can support an innovative project that closes material cycles and thus actively contributes to the circular economy and value creation in Switzerland. This is another reason why Model AG is investing CHF 35 million in a new materials processing plant at its Weinfelden site, which will be able to recycle all beverage cartons produced in Switzerland by the end of 2016 and process almost all types of paper at the same time. "The final report on the pilot phase provides many good reasons for a nationwide system for the collection and recycling of beverage cartons. Based on the findings from the pilot phase, the GKR association is continuing to work with all partners on the development of a nationwide collection system, as Dr. Josef Meyer, President of the Swiss Beverage Carton Recycling Association, commented: "Switzerland is the world champion in recycling - not least because politicians and businesses agree that resources must be conserved and material cycles closed. If we want to maintain this leading position, we can no longer practise restraint and must introduce beverage carton recycling nationwide."Swiss Beverage Carton Recycling AssociationVerein Getränkekarton-Recycling Schweiz, based in Basel, was founded in 2010 by the three system providers Tetra Pak (Schweiz) AG, SIG Combibloc GmbH & Co KG and Elopak Systems AG. The aim of the organization is to make beverage carton recycling possible in Switzerland and to raise awareness of the issues of resource conservation and closing the loop.