SIG has partnered with Plastic Bank, Carta Misr, and TileGreen to establish Egypt’s first end-to-end recycling system for used aseptic beverage cartons. This initiative will help to restructure the Egyptian recycling landscape and turn waste into valuable resources.
At present there is no formalized system for waste collection and recycling in Egypt. The new system that SIG and its partners have now introduced tackles every stage of the recycling process. Plastic Bank oversees the collection of used beverage cartons, ensuring a steady supply of recyclable materials. The collection is backed by a blockchain-secured platform, providing full traceability and transparency in waste collection, empowering waste collectors to convert every piece of discarded material into a source of revenue.
Carta Misr, a local paper mill, separates paper fibers from the aluminum and polymer layers of the cartons to create high-quality recycled paper products. Meanwhile, TileGreen, an Egyptian startup, repurposes the PolyAl mix into durable interlock bricks.
“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.”
The system’s impact extends beyond environmental benefits. It offers economic opportunities by creating steady livelihoods for waste collectors. It also engages consumers through tangible applications of recycled materials, such as roof tiles, inspiring greater participation in recycling.
“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 the materials used 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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