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In a pioneering move aimed at kicking off the Liquid Board Packaging recycling landscape in Zimbabwe, world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak in partnership with major stakeholders in the dairy industry has signed the “Zimbabwe Pact for Carton Packages.”
The Pact for Carton Packages Waste plans to bring together businesses from across the entire value chain; recyclers, collectors, producers, government, and NGOs to address the end-to-end process of recycling used beverage cartons. It aims to create value for the local economy by utilizing this recyclable commodity. The Liquid Board packages are already recyclable where adequate collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructures are in place. This pact aims to support the establishment of this set-up i.e.: contribute to a circular economy.
“The pact represents a commitment from all involved parties to address the challenges posed by carton packaging waste and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future. With the involvement of brand owners, waste management operators, and non-governmental organisations, the pact aims to foster collaboration across the entire value chain,” says Masale Manoko Sustainability Manager at Tetra Pak Southern Africa.
Key objectives outlined in the pact include compliance with environmental regulations, development of a robust recycling infrastructure, and support for extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiatives. The parties involved commit to:
• Work collaboratively across the value chain to enable industry-wide change in collection and recycling systems.
• Expand the Pact network to increase collective efforts of the entire value chain of recyclers, collectors, manufacturers, producers, NGOs, and consumers.
• Harness and amplify the collective skills, leadership, expertise, and capacity of Stakeholders to advance knowledge, and catalyse innovation and new solutions.
“In the initial phase of implementation, the focus will be on developing collection infrastructure and establishing a value chain within Zimbabwe. Collected used carton packaging will be exported to South African paper mills, leveraging existing recycling capacity in the region”. Added Manoko
“As a member of the PACT, Prodairy takes pride in its sustainability credentials. As leaders in carton packaging technology, our partnership with local and international companies, led by Tetra Pak, allows us to drive innovation in Zimbabwe. The responsible disposal of used carton waste will ensure that we create value, jobs, and a cleaner environment by engaging both pickers and aggregators. We are excited to drive this initiative and look forward to a wide collaboration with all stakeholders involved in this initiative.” says Edwin Chilundo, Managing Director at Prodairy.
Tendayi Marecha from Dairy Processors Association stated, “One of the pivotal aspects of the pact is the legal recognition of carton packaging as a recyclable commodity under the Environment Management Act, as well as adherence to internationally recognised standards for wastepaper. This legal recognition sets a solid foundation for the implementation of efficient recycling practices across the country”.
Mercy Ndoro from the Dairyboard added, “Stakeholders have pledged to collaborate in the creation of a used beverage carton value chain in Zimbabwe’s waste management sector by developing a sustainable circular economy, protecting the interests of waste pickers and aggregators, increasing the value of post-consumed packages. “
Tatenda Napata from Kefelos “By fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment in recycling infrastructure, the signatories envision a future where carton packages are seamlessly integrated into a thriving circular economy, benefitting both the environment and the local economy alike,”
According to the World Bank, global waste is predicted to increase 70% by 2050, unless immediate and significant action is taken. Despite its essential role in feeding a growing global population, food packaging can add to the issue if not properly collected and recycled.
Tetra Pak, a key signatory to the pact, has already demonstrated its commitment to advancing carton recycling efforts. The company has earmarked substantial investments globally, including up to €100 million per year for designing carton packages with increased fibre content and recycled materials. Additionally, Tetra Pak will allocate approximately €40 million annually towards collection and recycling infrastructure, underscoring its dedication to driving sustainable solutions.
