SIG and Partners Launch End-to-End Beverage Carton Recycling in Egypt
This initiative aims to transform waste into valuable resources and establish a circular economy.
A new chapter in Egypt’s sustainability efforts has begun with the launch of the country’s first fully integrated recycling system for aseptic beverage cartons. This pioneering initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between SIG, Plastic Bank, Carta Misr, and TileGreen. Together, these partners aim to transform the waste management landscape by turning discarded cartons into valuable resources.
Tackling the Recycling Gap in Egypt
Egypt currently lacks a structured approach to waste collection and recycling. Recognizing this gap, SIG and its partners have introduced a robust, end-to-end system that addresses every step in the recycling journey—from collection to repurposing. This solution marks a major shift toward a circular economy in a region that urgently needs sustainable waste solutions.
Smart Collection with Technology and Transparency
Plastic Bank leads the collection process, ensuring a reliable flow of used beverage cartons. What sets this system apart is its use of a blockchain-secured platform, which tracks the entire waste stream. This technology not only ensures transparency but also empowers waste collectors to earn a reliable income, effectively turning trash into cash.
From Waste to Recycled Paper
Once collected, the cartons are sent to Carta Misr, a local paper mill specializing in the separation of materials. Carta Misr efficiently extracts the paper fibers from the aluminium and polymer layers, transforming them into high-quality recycled paper products. This process ensures that no part of the carton goes to waste.
Turning Packaging Waste into Building Blocks
The remaining PolyAl mix—consisting of aluminum and polymers—is handed over to TileGreen, an innovative Egyptian startup. TileGreen repurposes this material into strong, eco-friendly interlock bricks used in construction. It’s a powerful example of how recycled content can be reimagined into products with real-world utility.
“With this strong partner network, we ensure that all materials from used beverage cartons can be recycled, thus preventing components of the packaging from having to be landfilled. By achieving a system supporting circularity of used beverage cartons in Egypt, we are demonstrating that sustainable innovation is not only possible but also essential,” said Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager India, Middle East and Africa at SIG. “This initiative embodies our commitment to creating economic, social, and environmental value, showing how industry collaboration can drive scalable solutions that benefit everyone.”
Creating Social and Environmental Value
Beyond the environmental gains, this recycling model brings economic opportunities to the forefront. It supports a network of waste collectors with sustainable livelihoods while also educating consumers about the benefits of recycling. By showcasing recycled products like roofing tiles, the initiative inspires broader community participation and awareness.
“Used beverage cartons are a rich source of high-quality fiber, and this partnership with SIG allows us to harness this valuable resource effectively. By integrating these fibers into our production processes, we produce superior paper products while reducing the need for additional raw materials. This initiative not only strengthens the recycling value chain but also demonstrates how sustainable practices can drive both environmental and economic benefits,” said Mohammed Gamal, CEO of Carta Misr.
“We are passionate about turning waste into value. Through our collaboration with SIG, we have demonstrated the transformative power of innovative recycling systems to create a new generation of materials. Repurposing PolyAl into durable building materials using our patented technology not only keeps waste out of landfills but also offers a scalable, sustainable solution for the construction industry. Together, we’re creating a future where sustainability drives both environmental and economic progress,” said Khaled Raafat, CTO & Co-founder at TileGreen.
“Through this collaboration, we have unlocked the true potential of beverage cartons as a resource, ensuring they remain in circulation,” added Abdelghany Eladib. “For the packaging, beverage, and food industries, this system of repurposing beverage carton components into locally demanded materials represents a way to minimize waste disposal costs and maximize resource efficiency. It provides a replicable model that can inspire sustainable practices worldwide, advancing circular economy principles and setting a precedent for innovation in waste management.”
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