SIG, Partners Launch Beverage Carton Recycling in Egypt
Swiss packaging solutions provider SIG, in partnership with GIZ Egypt, Plastic Bank, Carta Misr, and TileGreen, has officially launched Egypt’s first operational, end-to-end recycling system for aseptic beverage cartons.
The project, branded ‘Green Jobs from a Box’, is the culmination of a multi-year effort to transform Egypt’s packaging landscape through end-to-end recycling – from community collection, to fibre recovery, to PolyAl reuse – with a focus on creating ‘green jobs’, advancing circularity, and laying the groundwork for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Supported by GIZ Egypt on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the BMZ-funded develoPPP programme and Invest for Jobs initiative, the project targets the collection of over 700 metric tonnes of used beverage cartons within three years, while improving the livelihoods of more than 1,000 local waste collectors.
The launch event was attended by government officials, diplomatic representatives, industry leaders, and private sector leaders including SIG’s key customers Beyti – an Almarai subsidiary – and Juhayna for a live demonstration, strategic panel discussion, and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between SIG and paper manufacturer Carta Misr.
Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, states, “The ‘Green Jobs from a Box’ initiative is a powerful example of how innovative partnerships can contribute to advancing our vision toward a circular economy in Egypt. It aligns closely with our national sustainability strategy, and supports the transition toward a green economy that creates decent jobs, empowers local communities, and protects our natural resources. By turning waste into value and integrating the informal sector, this model contributes to achieving our broader goals within Egypt’s Vision 2030, while accelerating this transition through the application of the Extended Producer Responsibility principle. We look forward to the prosperity of this initiative and to inspiring similar efforts across all of Egypt.”
Waste Management Regulatory Authority (WMRA) CEO Dr. Yasser Abdullah says, “The initiative for recycling aseptic cartons represents an important step toward strengthening the concept of a circular economy in Egypt, as it aims to collect more than 700 tonnes of used cartons over three years, improve the livelihoods of more than 1,000 local waste collectors, and establish a scalable circular model for recycling.”
The initiative directly contributes to supporting the application of EPR principles and sustainable national waste management legislation, paving the way for new green jobs and generating economic value through integrated waste management.
“These efforts come within the framework of supporting the plans of the Egyptian state and the Ministry of Environment to achieve Egypt’s Vision 2030, through reducing environmental pollution, enhancing public-private partnerships, and driving innovation in the circular economy and green infrastructure. The initiative also contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (8, 11, 12, 13), in addition to preparing for the implementation of the EPR system and carrying out the strategy of the WMRA,” adds Dr. Abdullah.
The system represents a unique innovation in Egypt, relying on the Plastic Bank platform that uses blockchain technology to track carton collection and incentivise the participation of local waste collectors; the paper mill operations of Carta Misr for extracting high-quality fibres; and the innovative, patented technology of TileGreen to transform PolyAl (poly-aluminum material) into eco-friendly construction bricks.
Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager – India, Middle East & Africa, SIG, says, “This is a proud milestone for SIG and all of our partners across the value chain. What we’ve achieved here goes far beyond recycling cartons – it’s about building a replicable system for transforming packaging waste into opportunity. With the launch of Egypt’s first fully closed-loop beverage carton recycling system, we’ve proven that it’s possible to create a sustainable infrastructure that delivers impact for people, business, and the planet. But this should be just the beginning. Our ambition is to see this model adapted and expanded across the entire packaging industry, enabling a future where every pack – whether carton pack, pouch, or others – is part of a regenerative system that creates value at every step. This is what Extended Producer Responsibility in action looks like – and we’re proud to be helping shape what’s next for circular packaging in Egypt and beyond.”
Andreas Ruepp, Head of Private Sector Development, GIZ Egypt, adds, “GIZ is pleased to support this impactful partnership through BMZ’s develoPPP programme and Invest for Jobs initiative. This pioneering collaboration exemplifies a successful public-private partnership that not only addresses a critical environmental challenge but also fosters social and economic development by creating green jobs. The project demonstrates the potential of inclusive and innovative models of packaging waste, transforming it into social and economic value. This system aligns with our global priorities for a just transition and we hope it will inspire further collaboration in Egypt and beyond to advance a circular economy.”
A strategic panel discussion, featuring SIG, GIZ Egypt, Plastic Bank, Beyti, and Juhayna, with discussions focused on scaling the model across other packaging types and aligning stakeholders for national EPR implementation was held as part of the event.
Juhayna Deputy Chairman & CEO Seif Thabet says, “At Juhayna, we recognise the urgency of building sustainable solutions that serve both people and the planet. Joining forces with SIG and the other partners on this closed-loop system aligns perfectly with our long-term vision for a circular economy. This isn’t just about beverage cartons, it’s about proving that smart, inclusive recycling systems are possible, scalable, and beneficial to all stakeholders. We’re proud to be contributing to a model that delivers real environmental impact while also creating green employment opportunities, reinforcing our role as a driver of sustainable development in Egypt.”
Chris Abboud, General Manager of Beyti, adds, “At Beyti, our sustainability strategy is ‘Doing Better Every Day’, guided by our focus on 3 key pillars: Caring for the People, Protecting the Planet, and Producing Responsible Products Everyday. The ‘Green Jobs from a Box’ initiative by SIG is an important step in advancing responsible recycling practices and promoting a circular economy in Egypt. By turning used beverage cartons into new opportunities, this initiative not only reduces waste but also generates meaningful green jobs that benefit local communities. As one of Egypt’s leading dairy and juice producers, Beyti remains dedicated to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations to support a more resilient and sustainable future for all, which is in line with our 2030 sustainability vision of ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ target, increasing resources efficiency by 20%, achieving 25% lower carbon footprint, and leading the way to becoming Egypt’s Leading Green Brand by 2030.”
