The Carton Council, Elof Hansson, and Upcycling Group have announced a partnership to establish a state-of-the-art recycling facility, set to open in the second half of 2025. This facility will convert post-consumer food and beverage cartons into durable and sustainable building materials. The initiative is poised to create a new domestic market for recycled cartons, offering significant environmental and economic benefits.
At the heart of this initiative lies an innovative technology that combines environmental sustainability with economic viability. The facility will use a zero-waste process that eliminates the need for water, formaldehyde glues, and hazardous chemicals. This process involves shredding the cartons and bonding them into large, durable sheets using high-pressure and heat treatment.
“The innovative technology at this future facility comes at a critical time when the building industry is actively seeking methods to decarbonize processes and enhance the circular economy," said Jan Rayman, co-founder and CEO of Upcycling Group. “Our zero-waste process significantly reduces carbon emissions by utilizing whole food and beverage cartons to produce boards for various construction applications."
Though the precise location of the facility has yet to be announced, it is expected to be revealed later this summer. Upon completion, the facility is projected to process 750 tons (1,500,000 pounds) of recycled cartons per month.
“This new facility not only validates the value of carton recycling but will also provide a significant boost to recycling efforts across the West Coast, offering local materials recovery facilities a new viable domestic option for their recycled cartons,” said Jason Pelz, vice president of recycling for the Carton Council.
The Carton Council, Elof Hansson, and Upcycling Group partnership brings together organizations with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The new recycling facility will profoundly impact the local community. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance community well-being and support economic growth by creating jobs and providing a cleaner, more sustainable environment. By leveraging innovative technology and a zero-waste process, the new facility will transform post-consumer cartons into valuable building materials, reducing carbon emissions and promoting the circular economy.
