Tetra Pak Backs Infinite Industries Recycling Expansion

The company has invested in new dry-cleaning technology to boost carton processing capacity in South Africa.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Consumer Goods

Tetra Pak Backs Infinite Industries Recycling Expansion

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Tetra Pak has invested in a dry-cleaning line for Infinite Industries to enhance its capacity for processing multi-laminated packaging. This initiative supports a broader R100 million investment by Tetra Pak into the recycling value chain across South Africa.

Why it matters

By funding partners like Infinite Industries, Tetra Pak aims to strengthen the local recycling value chain. This support allows for the conversion of aluminium and plastic layers from cartons into durable goods such as roofing sheets and furniture.

Tetra Pak has committed nearly R100 million to South Africa's carton recycling value chain. The national carton recycling rate climbed to 31% in 2025, up from 26% the previous year.

The players

Tetra Pak

A multinational food packaging and processing company that focuses on sustainable solutions for the food and beverage industry.

Infinite Industries

A South African firm that specialises in repurposing multi-laminated packaging materials into construction and utility products.

The details

Infinite Industries, founded in 2007, processes packaging without separating the layers, allowing for the direct production of materials like furniture and beehives. The new dry-cleaning equipment funded by Tetra Pak streamlines this process to increase total throughput.

Timeline

  1. Infinite Industries was founded in 2007.

  2. The carton recycling rate reached 26% in 2024.

  3. The carton recycling rate reached 31% in 2025.

Market Landscape

This investment aligns with the growing pressure on manufacturers to support post-consumer waste management under South Africa's evolving recycling standards. By integrating vertically with specialists like Infinite Industries, Tetra Pak positions itself to outpace rivals in total material recovery.

Consumers may see more products made from recycled carton materials, such as furniture and roofing sheets, appearing on the market. This shift helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while supporting local manufacturing jobs.

The takeaway

Investment in specialised processing technology is essential for turning complex multi-laminated waste into reusable resources. These partnerships highlight the practical steps businesses are taking to improve national recycling rates.

Further reading

For more on industry-wide developments, explore the Consumer Goods section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by SA Polymer Technology.

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Do you believe corporate-local partnerships are effective for improving recycling in your community?