Egypt launches first integrated recycling system for aseptic beverage cartons 

EGYPT – Egypt has inaugurated its first fully integrated recycling system for aseptic beverage cartons, advancing the country’s circular economy and sustainable development objectives. 

The system is designed to collect used beverage cartons at the community level, recover fibers, and repurpose aluminium-polymer (PolyAl) components into environmentally friendly materials. 

Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, said the initiative represents a pioneering model for partnerships supporting Egypt’s green economy transition.  

She highlighted its role in aligning with the National Sustainability Strategy and Egypt Vision 2030 while integrating the informal sector into formal waste management systems and promoting extended producer responsibility. 

The program is the result of collaboration between SIG, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ Egypt), Plastic Bank, Carta Misr, and Tile Green. The partners aim to transform the packaging sector through a system combining community-level collection, fiber extraction, and PolyAl reuse to create environmentally friendly products and green jobs. 

According to the Ministry of Local Development, the framework targets the collection of over 700 tonnes of used cartons within three years and will provide direct economic benefits to more than one thousand local waste pickers. Digital platforms powered by blockchain will track collection, ensure transparency, and incentivise participation. 

The initiative also includes applications for recycled materials such as turning composite layers into eco-friendly construction blocks, offering sustainable alternatives for Egypt’s growing building sector. 

The initiative comes at a pivotal time as Egypt advances its national sustainability strategy and aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 11, 12, and 13). 

If successful, stakeholders believe the model could expand beyond beverage cartons to other packaging formats, setting a new benchmark for circular packaging systems in the Middle East and Africa. 

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