Turkish company scales up PET bottle recycling line - Recycling Today

Posted by Posted by Chris Voloschuk

Istanbul-based PCR Ambalaj Atıkları Geri Kazanım A.Ş. (PAAG), a member of Bell Holding A.Ş., has installed a Starlinger Recycling Technology RecoStar PET (polyethylene terephthalate) 165 HC iV+ PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line with a production capacity of up to 1,800 kilograms per hour in its Gebze facility in Kocaeli, near Istanbul. The line began operating in mid-March.

By investing in bottle-to-bottle recycling, PAAG aims to reduce the demand for virgin plastic, minimize its carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging.

“We entered the bottle-to-bottle recycling market with a firm commitment to advancing sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment,” PAAG Vice Chairman Bekir Öktenoğlu says. “Recognizing the urgent global issue of climate change, we saw an opportunity to contribute to a circular economy by transforming used plastic bottles into new, high-quality bottles.”

PAAG aims to process approximately 1,200 tons of collected PET bottles per month. The recycled PET (rPET) mainly is supplied to Senapa Stampa, a sister company within Bell Holding. In addition, PAAG sells recycled PET to external customers.

PAAG says the proven track record, state-of-the-art technology, compliance with industry standards, energy efficiency and commitment to innovation are why it chose to install a PET recycling line from Starlinger Recycling Technology, a division of Austria-based Starlinger & Co. GmbH.

“Starlinger’s cutting-edge technology aligns with PAAG’s dedication to deliver premium recycled materials, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability within the packaging industry,” Öktenoğlu says. “This strategic partnership reflects PAAG’s vision for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Moreover, Starlinger’s PET recycling process holds approvals by EFSA and the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] for food-grade rPET production, ensuring that the recycled PET materials adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality.

"This aligns seamlessly with PAAG’s commitment to deliver not only sustainable but also food-safe packaging solutions, reinforcing our dedication to excellence in the packaging industry.”

For bottle collection, PAAG has set up a door-to-door collection system called “To-Ka” which stands for “topla-kazan,” or “collect-win,” for PET bottles from end consumers. In addition, collection points have been established through collaborations with recycling partners and community organizations, and eco-friendly transportation methods are used for transporting the collected postconsumer PET bottles.

Upon arrival at the recycling facility, the PET bottles undergo a sorting and cleaning process to remove contaminants before the shredded and washed bottles are processed into high-quality rPET pellets at the Starlinger RecoStar PET 165 HC iV+ system. PAAG adds that Starlinger’s clean PET recycling process and PAAG’s rigid quality assurance program ensures the recycled material meets and even exceeds industry standards.

PAAG’s To-Ka program began in May 2023 in the greater Istanbul area, and the company plans to roll it out in 15 other major cities in Turkey in the future.

“PAAG remains dedicated to its role as a responsible corporate entity, aligning its practices with environmental goals and contributing to the broader efforts to manage plastic waste in Turkey,” Öktenoğlu says. “Circular economy is our compass. We believe that by actively participating in the bottle-to-bottle recycling market, PAAG can play a pivotal role in fostering a circular economy, creating a more sustainable future, and inspiring others in the industry to embrace environmentally friendly practices.”