New production process for the treatment and recovery of beverage cartons waste briks

Within our Sustainability Master Plan, we have outlined a specific environmental roadmap designed to perpetuate our efforts in the circular economy and resource optimization. One of the highlighted actions is to achieve the circularity of plastic waste derived from the recycling of used beverage cartons.

In line with our sustainability objectives, Alier has received an allocation of €9.9 million for the construction of our plastics recycling plant. This support is part of the Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and Transformation (MERTE) of Circular Economy, promoted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The purpose of this program is to accelerate the transition from the current economic model to one that is more efficient and sustainable in the use of resources and raw materials, with the goal of reducing the economy’s ecological footprint. The funds come from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

For Alier, this financial support marks a milestone in our commitment to the circular economy. These funds will be allocated specifically for the construction of our plastics recycling plant, which will allow us not only to reduce the amount of waste, but also to generate higher-value products from it. Agustín Oliver, head of our plastics division, highlights the relevance of this initiative and its contribution to strengthening our fundamental principles, which include putting people first, respecting the environment, constantly evolving, and maintaining transparency, honesty and integrity in all our actions:

IMPACT OF THE PROJECT ON OUR SECTOR AND COMMUNITY:

This Alier project has a significant impact on both our industry and our community. With the implementation of the new plant, we will not only create new jobs, stimulating the local economy through direct and indirect hiring, but also contribute to compliance with environmental regulations and the development of new technologies. We will have a dedicated R&D team, which will allow us to constantly innovate and stay at the forefront of our field. In addition, this project has a positive impact on the environment by significantly reducing the volume of non-recoverable waste that is currently destined for landfills. By reducing the generation of virgin raw materials, we also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In short, this project not only benefits our company, but also promotes sustainable development and environmental preservation in our community.

UTILITY OF THE FUNDING RECEIVED:

The funds received by Alier will be used to purchase specialized machinery for the mechanical recycling of this raw material, such as extruders and equipment for washing and pretreatment of the material. Also, part of the funds will be used for the construction of a new industrial building to house the aforementioned equipment, as well as to expand the processing capacity.

PROJECT TIMELINES AND MAIN PROJECT STAGES:

Since this is an extensive and ambitious project, we have planned its execution in two distinct stages. The first involves the installation of 2 pretreatment, washing and extrusion lines with the capacity to handle 30,000 tons of input waste. This stage is expected to be operational by July of this year. The second stage will be similar to the first, but is planned to be operational during the second half of 2025.

CRITERIA AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND EVALUATING THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT:

The success of this project will be measured primarily by the significant reduction in waste generation and the creation of new products from waste. The evaluation will focus primarily on the decrease in tons of waste generated during the entire Alier process. In conclusion, the project reinforces Alier’s commitment to the environment and positions us as one of the leading recyclers of beverage cartons in Europe, consolidating us as a company committed to integrated recycling and as evidence of our work.