Smurfit Kappa plans multi-layered carton recycling facility

European packaging company Smurfit Kappa has teamed up with HVC and Bluemats Technology to announce plans to establish the ‘first’ full beverage carton recycling plant in the Netherlands.

The new facility will have the capability to efficiently split and sort the different components of drinks cartons. This will allow the three materials – paper, plastic and aluminium – to be used to create new products.

The equipped technology will also be able to sort single-use coffee cups, which similarly have multi-layered materials.

In development of the proposed facility, Smurfit Kappa will utilise its expertise in paper recycling installation and HVC will leverage its sustainable waste collection experience, while Bluemats will be responsible for handling and separating the plastics and aluminium.

Henk Hoevers, vice-president of Paper Technology at Smurfit Kappa, said: “We are excited about being involved in a project that has the potential to solve a very big challenge and potentially push the high recycling rate of paper even further than the current 85%.

“Together, our three companies plan a state-of-the-art installation that can deal with this specific multi-material reject stream. Using all three separated streams of paper, plastic and aluminium for further recycling is unique.

“This plan is very much in line with the circularity that embeds all our operations and aligns with our Better Planet Packaging initiative which seeks to reduce packaging waste.”

Dennis Froeling, business developer of HVC, said: “At this time, multi-layered cartons are being recycled elsewhere in Europe, mainly in Germany.

“We would like to ensure that the multi-layered cartons that come from our sorting centre in Heerenveen and from SUEZ in Rotterdam are being recycled in the Netherlands. By doing this we are connecting the entire chain from collection, to transport through to the sorting and processing of raw materials.”

A final decision regarding the facilities development is expected to take place in the next six months.