Transforming Waste into Value: Used Beverage Cartons Recycling in Egypt by Tetra Pak and Uniboard

Wael Khoury: In 2024, Tetra Pak and Uniboard inaugurated the first UBC recycling production line in Egypt, with a joint investment €2.5 million aimed at recycling 8,000 tons of UBC annually.

• Uniboard papermill is the ONLY recycler in Egypt that recycles used beverage cartons (UBC).
• Uniboard papermill has dedicated and best-fit equipment capable of recycling 8,000 tons of UBC annually.

Wael Khoury, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Egypt, confirmed that the company has installed and launched the first production line for recycling used beverage cartons (UBCs) in Egypt in 2024, in partnership with Uniboard papermill, the only factory in Egypt that recycles used beverage cartons.
Khoury revealed that the joint investment between Tetra Pak and Uniboard amounted to approximately €2.5 million, noting that the initial plan aims to reach the full capacity of the production line of 8,000 tons within five years. However, he expressed confidence in exceeding this target, thanks to the ongoing support from both sides, especially considering that 2,500 tons were collected within just a few months.
Regarding the choice of Uniboard as a strategic partner, Khoury said: “Uniboard is the ONLY factory that can handle large volumes and normal day-to-day used beverage cartons (UBCs) recycling operations in Egypt. The facility is equipped with advanced technologies to efficiently separate the paper in UBCs, converting them into reusable materials for paperboard production.”
Khoury also emphasized Tetra Pak’s commitment to enabling UBC collection through various formal and informal sector channels, and said, “Uniboard, has formed a dedicated team to work on all UBC collection channels, closely collaborating with Tetra Pak’s sustainability team to expand these channels and source more used cartons from across Egypt.”
He added that other paper mills are currently conducting trials to explore entering the recycling industry. However, Uniboard remains the only factory in Egypt with a fully integrated and sustainable recycling infrastructure and system for the time being.
Khoury stressed Tetra Pak’s commitment to supporting the recycling sector in Egypt, pointing out that the partnership with Uniboard goes beyond installing a production line. It aims to help develop a comprehensive infrastructure to support the creation of a more efficient and sustainable circular economy. Over the past year, Tetra Pak has worked on technical trials and tests with other recycling companies, focusing on processing and recycling PolyAl for use in manufacturing items such as strapping bands and assessing market demand for this material. This project is ongoing, with updates expected soon.
He further explained that Tetra Pak follows a clear sustainability approach, which is embodied by the purpose of protecting food, people, and the planet, stating: “We have four clear priorities guiding our activities: advancing circular solutions, decarbonizing food systems, contributing to resilient food systems, and protecting and restoring biodiversity.”
He also noted that Tetra Pak globally invests up to €40 million annually to boost global collection and recycling, in addition to €100 million annually in R&D to develop more sustainable packaging. Since 2010, Tetra Pak has helped increase the number of recycling facilities from 40 to over 200, now spanning more than 70 countries.
Khoury concluded by saying: “Our ambition is not only to increase the collection and recycling of beverage cartons, but to build a community culture that supports sustainability at all levels. Our partnership with Uniboard, which was activated last year, is just the beginning. We will continue working to expand our initiatives to create a greener, more sustainable future for Egypt and the region.”