The ALPLA Group, a globally recognized plastic packaging company, has taken another step towards bolstering its commitment to sustainability and recycling with the launch of their new brand, ALPLArecycling. Since 2005, ALPLA has been investing in its recycling capacities, and the establishment of this new brand marks a significant milestone in their efforts to promote environmental responsibility within the packaging industry.
ALPLA has been a leader in the plastics recycling sector, operating 13 plants worldwide, including four joint ventures with regional partners. The company is determined to process at least 25 percent post-consumer material (PCR) by the year 2025. With this vision in mind, ALPLA has invested over 50 million euros annually since 2021, focusing on mechanical recycling and expanding its global recycling activities.
As a result of these investments, the annual installed and projected output capacity has doubled to an impressive 350,000 tonnes of PCR material. This capacity is distributed across various recycling facilities, including a new plant in South Africa and an expansion in Poland, which together contribute to an annual capacity of 266,000 tonnes of rPET (recycled PET) and 84,000 tonnes of rHDPE (recycled HDPE).
Under the new ALPLArecycling brand, the company aims to not only produce high-quality rPET and rHDPE materials but also emphasize the development of sustainable packaging solutions that incorporate a significant proportion of recycled materials, possess optimum recyclability, and have reduced weight.
Philipp Lehner, the CEO of ALPLA, highlighted the significance of their recycling efforts, stating, “Every year, we are producing more high-quality, affordable, and sustainable packaging from used packaging. With our own production, development, and material optimization, we ensure quality and quantity while also strengthening regional and national recycling loops.” The positive impact of recycling plastics is noteworthy, as it reduces carbon consumption by up to 90 percent, minimizes waste, and generates economic value and job opportunities.
Dietmar Marin, the Managing Director of the Recycling division at ALPLA, explained that the new brand represents a clear commitment to recycling and aligns with their expansion plans in growing markets. The company aims to intensify its activities in areas like southern Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, as sustainable packaging solutions gain traction globally.
Currently processing 20 percent PCR material, ALPLA is determined to increase this figure to at least 25 percent by 2025, alongside ensuring that all of its packaging solutions are fully recyclable. Since 2018, ALPLA has been an active participant in the New Plastics Economy, an initiative by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Günther Lehner, Chairman of the Company Advisory Board, expressed his belief in plastic as a recyclable material and the success of closed bottle-to-bottle loops, stating, “With our commitment, we want to create infrastructure in as many countries as possible, raise awareness, and thus generate added value for the environment, economy, and society.”
Through the establishment of ALPLArecycling and its comprehensive website, the company aims to provide valuable information about their recycling initiatives, available products, and locations of recycling plants and joint ventures.