New recycling collection with beverage cartons

After nine months, initial findings are available. Practical experience confirms the assumptions: The joint collection of beverage cartons (e.g. Tetra Pak) and plastic bottles is consumer-friendly. It leads to a larger collection volume and less waste. All players involved in the value chain benefit from the innovative recycling offer.Collecting customers with enthusiasmAfter the first six months, the return rate is around 60% in the corresponding catchment area. The new collection thus confirms the high customer demand for beverage cartons to be returned to retailers. The analysis shows that a large proportion of beverage cartons come from the shelves of other retailers. "Recycling is part of our growth strategy. By recycling beverage cartons, we have met an obvious customer need," explains Timo Schuster, Country Manager of ALDI SUISSE.Clean collection with high recyclingThe joint collection at the ALDI SUISSE Group records few waste items. Almost 90 percent of the collected waste can be recycled after sorting. There are two reasons for this high rate: The joint collection is uncomplicated for consumers and the collection containers are clearly labeled and easy to understand. At the same time, the collection of PET drinks bottles remains clean. Joint collection therefore works well as a supplement to the established systems.Joint collection utilizes synergiesThe new collection system can be seamlessly integrated into the existing logistics system and makes even better use of it. The collected goods are taken by the trucks that supply the store with consumer goods and fed into the sorting and recycling process.Material recyclingThe collected beverage cartons and plastic bottles are sorted at Müller Recycling AG in Frauenfeld. After sorting, the plastic bottles are processed into regranulate. This can be used to manufacture new plastic bottles or other plastic products. The beverage cartons are taken to Weinfelden and recycled in the Model AG paper mill. This year, Model AG commissioned a new stock preparation plant that can recycle all beverage cartons produced in Switzerland. The recycled beverage cartons are used to produce paper that is processed into corrugated cardboard. Paper fibers can be recycled six to seven times. "Thanks to the new stock preparation plant, it is now possible to recycle the beverage cartons, which is an advantage in terms of conserving resources," says Dr. Daniel Model, CEO & Chairman of the Model Group.Closing open material cycles together"The successful practical test at ALDI SUISSE shows that the Swiss population is highly committed to closing open material cycles. The Swiss Beverage Carton Recycling Association is working with all partners involved to establish the nationwide collection and recycling of beverage cartons in Switzerland," says Dr. Josef Meyer, President of the Swiss Beverage Carton Recycling Association.