Tetra Pak, a leader in food packaging and processing, has partnered with Union Paper Mills (UPM) to establish the UAE’s first recycling line for carton packages. The AED 2.5 million joint investment aims to process up to 10,000 tonnes of post-consumer carton packaging annually, diverting waste from landfills and supporting the country’s sustainability goals.
The new facility, housed at UPM, utilizes advanced pulping technology to separate high-quality paper fibers from polymers and aluminum (polyAl) layers. The extracted paper fibers will be used to produce paperboard for the packaging industry, while the polyAl material can be repurposed for applications in construction, furniture, 3D printing, and injection molding.
“This recycling line aligns with Tetra Pak’s sustainability goals and supports the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030,” said Marcelo Piva, Sustainability Director, Middle East and Africa, Tetra Pak. “Public-private partnerships like this are essential for advancing waste management practices. Our collaboration with UPM also facilitates discussions with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.”
Shabbir Ibrahim Haideri, Group CEO of M.A.H.Y. Khoory & Co., emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Our partnership with Tetra Pak enhances the UAE’s recycling infrastructure and contributes to a more sustainable future. This project exemplifies our shared commitment to circularity.”
Tetra Pak has collaborated with over 200 recycling partners globally, investing €40 million in 2023 alone to enhance carton recycling. Approximately 1.3 million tonnes of carton packages were recycled globally last year, marking a 7% increase from 2022.
In the UAE, the partnership with UPM marks a significant milestone in local recycling capabilities, enabling further collaboration with waste management companies and promoting consumer awareness through educational efforts. The initiative is a step forward in the region’s journey toward sustainable development and circularity.