Egypt launches first cardboard packaging recycling line in historic milestone for sustainability

EGYPT – Dr Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, has inaugurated the nation’s first-ever production line dedicated to recycling used cardboard packaging.

The project is a joint venture between Tetra Pak, a food manufacturing and packaging leader, and Uniboard, a top-tier cardboard producer. 

Located in Sadat City’s industrial zone, the groundbreaking facility was launched by notable officials, including Håkan Emsgaard, the Swedish Ambassador to Egypt, and Major General Essam El-Naggar, the Head of the Export and Import Control Authority.

Other attendees included the Ministry of Environment leaders, Tetra Pak Egypt, and Uniboard. 

During her opening remarks, Dr. Fouad praised the private sector’s efforts to bolster industrial development and expressed gratitude for their collaboration with the government.

She underscored the facility’s alignment with Egypt’s integrated waste management strategy, “Collect more, recycle more, bury less.” 

The Minister emphasized the project’s dual significance: reducing waste-related emissions and fostering sustainability.

She highlighted that Egypt’s second-largest contributor to climate change emissions is the waste sector, following energy.

The €2.5 million facility spans 1,000 square meters and has an annual recycling capacity of 8,000 tons of used cardboard packaging.

Uniboard has already exceeded its first-year goal by collecting 1,300 tons of used cardboard, a significant achievement ahead of launching the recycling line. Full production capacity is expected within five years, and goals are projected to be exceeded by 2028.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR)

Dr. Fouad noted that the project exemplifies Egypt’s commitment to implementing EPR policies as part of its Waste Management Regulation Law.

Preparations included workshops and consultations with stakeholders to ensure fair cost distribution and efficient integration into the national waste management system.

Dr. Fouad lauded Tetra Pak and Uniboard for their dedication to sustainability, highlighting their efforts to reduce waste, minimize carbon emissions, and enhance environmental health.

Extensive research, including collaborations with CID Consulting and the Environ Adapt DWAR application, ensured the efficiency of the used carton collection system.

Managing Director of Tetra Pak Egypt, Wael Khoury, remarked, “This project reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, benefiting both our customers and the broader Egyptian community.”

Sherif Al-Moallem, CEO of Uniboard, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the company’s role in meeting local market demands sustainably.

“As a leading corrugated paper producer, Uniboard remains committed to environmental responsibility and fostering innovation in the industry.”

The production line serves as a model for public-private collaboration, combining governmental support with industry expertise.

The project lays the groundwork for replication in other industries and regions by building a robust network of collectors and refining operational methods over 16 months.

Dr Fouad hoped this initiative would inspire similar efforts across Egypt, reinforcing the nation’s vision for a sustainable future.

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