Alier beneficiary of the state circular Economy PERTE (Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation)
Under our Sustainability Master Plan, we have outlined a specific environmental route designed to perpetuate our efforts in the circular economy and resource optimization. One of the highlighted actions is to achieve circularity of plastic waste from used beverage carton recovery.
In line with our sustainability goals, Alier will receive 9.9 million euros for the construction of our plastic recycling plant. This assistance is part of the Strategic Program for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) for Circular Economy, promoted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The aim of this program is to accelerate the transition from the current economic model to a more efficient and sustainable one in the use of resources and raw materials, with the goal of reducing the ecological footprint of the economy. The funds come from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
We, as 28 companies based in Catalonia, Spain, have obtained a total of 52.6 million euros from the PERTE for the Circular Economy, representing 32% of the budget allocated in this plan at the national level. This budget consolidates a total figure of 165 million euros allocated nationally. It is important to highlight that among the 102 projects approved in this call, ALIER’s project has the highest budget (35 million euros) and the second highest grant. ALIER has until December 2025 to carry out all the investments for this project and start up the plastic recycling plant at our facilities in Rosselló. It is worth mentioning that beneficiary companies have received guidance and advice from the Next Generation EU office, managed by the Catalan Agency for Business Competitiveness, Acció, which was inaugurated in November 2021.
ALIER DRIVING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
As previously emphasized, this investment adds to our efforts to establish a new plastic recycling plant aimed at enhancing the processing capacity of beverage carton packaging, commonly known as Tetra Brik. Through an efficient and innovative process, we aim to valorize its components and generate high-value products such as paper and PolyAl granules (plastic with aluminum) that can be utilized in other industries, thus perpetuating the circular economy. The new plant will enable us to recycle 30,000 tons per year of the plastic and aluminum fraction from carton packaging waste (PolyAl), once its pulping process is completed starting in 2025. This will allow us to avoid the landfilling of these wastes and progress towards our zero waste goal.
WHAT DOES THIS GRANT MEAN FOR ALIER
For Alier, this grant represents a significant step in our commitment to the circular economy. These resources will be specifically allocated to the construction of the plastic recycling plant, allowing us not only to reduce waste but also to generate value-added products from it. Agustín Oliver, head of our plastics division, highlights the importance of this initiative and its contribution to strengthening our commitment to our core principles, putting people first, respecting the environment, constantly evolving, and maintaining transparency, honesty, and integrity in all our actions:
What is the impact of this project on our sector and our community?
This project by Alier has a significant impact on both our sector and our community. With the implementation of the new plant, we not only create new jobs, stimulating the local economy through direct and indirect hiring, but we also contribute to compliance with environmental regulations and the development of new technologies. We will have a dedicated R&D team, allowing us to constantly innovate and stay at the forefront of our field. Furthermore, this project has a positive impact on the environment by significantly reducing the volume of non-valorizable waste currently destined for landfills. By decreasing the generation of virgin raw materials, we also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). In summary, this project not only benefits our company but also promotes sustainable development and environmental preservation in our community.
What is the specific plan for the use of the received funding?
The funding received by Alier will be utilized for purchasing specialized machinery for the mechanical recycling of this raw material, such as extruders and machinery for washing and pre-treating the material. Additionally, part of the financing will be used for the construction of a new industrial facility for the installation of the aforementioned equipment, as well as for expanding the capacity for processing complex raw materials and their purification process.
What are the timelines and key stages of the project?
As this is a broad and ambitious project, it has been planned in two separate stages. The first stage involves the implementation of 2 lines for pre-treatment, washing, and extrusion with a capacity to handle 30.000 tons of input waste. It is expected to be operational by July of this year. The second stage will be similar to the first, but it is planned to be operational during the second phase in December 2025.
What are the criteria and methods we will use to measure and evaluate the success of the project?
With this project, we aim to significantly reduce waste generation while simultaneously creating a new product that gives new life to this plastic. Evaluation will primarily be based on the reduction of tons of waste generated throughout Alier’s total process. In conclusion, the project reinforces Alier’s commitment to the environment and consolidates us as one of the leading recyclers of beverage carton packaging in Europe, making us an integrated recycler, as evidence of our work.
