Sustana Fiber recently installed a brand new high-capacity shredding machine at its Breakeyville mill in Quebec, which will improve the recycling process for aseptic and gable top containers, also known as multilayer cartons, such as milk and juice cartons. The new shredder supports Sustana Fiber’s commitment to realize a zero-waste future and invest in the circular economy. A circular economy is built on the principle of extending the life cycle of materials and resources that have already served a purpose into new uses – ultimately mitigating the impact on the environment and climate change.
The multilayer carton operation is a first in Quebec, bringing sustainable fiber full circle with this innovative operation. This shredder was a major investment in circular economy to recycle more carton containers and was financially supported by Recyc-Quebec, demonstrating the importance and urgency of this initiative.
The installation of this shedder increases capacity for recycling multilayer cartons from 1,000 tons to 5,000 tons annually, thus significantly reducing the amount of valuable materials being diverted to landfills. By doing so, we are increasing the recovery rate of cartons and turning these materials back into useful materials as carton recycling offers a huge opportunity to invest in the circular economy.
The vast majority of recovered cartons are currently exported, but this operation will enhance recycling in Quebec. Not only does the recycling of materials invest in the circular economy, local processing of the material will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustana Fiber plans to partner with sorting centers in Quebec, which will also cut down on transportation impact, including CO2 emissions.
We have seen growing enthusiasm for carton recycling in recent years and this project will help to meet the growing demand. By recycling old cartons, we are bringing these products full circle in a way that will enhance the future for business, the planet and society.