Plastipak has announced the opening of a recycling facility at its manufacturing site in Toledo, Spain.

Founded in 1967, Plastipak provides packaging solutions to various industries, including the food and beverage sector.

The recycling plant will see PET flakes converted into food-grade rPET pellets that can be used directly in new preforms, bottles and containers. It will produce 20,000 tonnes of food-grade recycled pellets every year and recycled resin transport-related emissions will be eliminated.

In addition, the facility has incorporated advanced energy-saving technologies and equipment, including the installation of over 1,800 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on its roof, which is expected to generate over 1,339 MWh of electricity per year, saving more than 443 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Pedro Martins, Plastipak’s executive managing director Europe, said: “The use of rPET is a key tool in reducing our customer’s scope three related emissions and forms an important part of their ESG-packaging related commitments. As well as supporting our customers to reduce their financial obligations under the planned Spanish plastics tax, the plant will also contribute to meeting the minimum recycled content levels mandated by the Single Use Plastics Directive.”

Jack Pacente, VP of global sustainability, added: “We are delighted to open another world-class PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, complete with additional investment in emissions-reduction initiatives, demonstrating our leadership in the circular economy”.

“Already, 100% of the electricity Plastipak consumes in Europe originates from renewable sources, and the installation of PV panels is our second on-site renewable power generation project in the European region. Long-term emissions reduction is a core pillar of our ESG programme, demonstrated by our registered commitment to the Science-based Target Initiative.”

Plastipak has other recycling plants located in the US, France, Luxembourg and the UK.