SIG has introduced Egypt’s first full recycling system for used aseptic beverage cartons, developed in partnership with Plastic Bank, Carta Misr, and startup TileGreen. The initiative aims to plug a key gap in the country’s waste management infrastructure by enabling the recycling of multi-material packaging.
The new system covers the entire recycling chain—from collection to reuse. Plastic Bank leads collection efforts using a blockchain-secured platform that tracks materials and supports local waste collectors with traceable income.
Collected cartons are sent to Carta Misr, a subsidiary of El Soudi Holding, where high-quality paper fibers are extracted for use in new products. The aluminum and polyethylene (PolyAl) layers, which are often difficult to recycle, are repurposed by TileGreen into construction bricks using proprietary thermo-mechanical technology.
“Used beverage cartons are a rich source of high-quality fiber,” said Mohammed Gamal, CEO of Carta Misr. “This partnership allows us to harness that value while reducing reliance on raw materials.”
By transforming waste into useful materials, the project supports both environmental and economic goals. “This is a model for how industry collaboration can support circularity and resource efficiency,” said Abdelghany Eladib, SIG President & General Manager for the region.
According to SIG, the model not only keeps packaging out of landfills but also creates scalable business opportunities in recycling and green construction, setting a precedent for similar systems in other regions.