New circular economy project: PET plastic bottle recycling unit

Founded in 1990, Offset Polyplast SA is a Moroccan company specialized in the manufacturing of plastic packaging, thus contributing to the growth of numerous Moroccan companies operating in the agri-food sector, particularly dairy products.

As part of the growth of its activities and in a commitment to sustainable development, which is inherent to the company’s DNA, the company has decided to invest in a new plastic recycling line to be able to reuse old PET bottles as raw material for its own production lines. The production of virgin plastic from petroleum products generates a large carbon footprint; however, plastic recycling allows for a significant reduction in carbon footprint.

In this context, Offset Polyplast has opted for the Green Economy Financing Facility Morocco II (GEFF II) program seeking technical assistance and partial financing of its new project. The latter focused on the acquisition of several pieces of equipment for this PET plastic bottle recycling unit. The new unit boasts a daily capacity of 20,000 kg. The components of the recycling unit funded by GEFF II program include:

• PET bottle pre-washing unit.
• Ultraflex extrusion machine.
• Eight-color printing machine.
• Plastic dryer.
• Film thickness measurement control device.
• Thermoforming machine.
• Plastic waste grinding machines.
• Storage handling equipment.
• Treatment reactor.
• Manufacturing process control machine.
• PET flakes extrusion line.

This green investment, benefiting from the technical assistance and financing provided by GEFF II, has enabled Offset Polyplast to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 9,553.44 tons per year and save 3,120 tons of virgin plastic demand annually. In addition to the direct environmental benefits, this investment has contributed to increasing the competitiveness of the company, enhancing its brand image, and creating green jobs.

Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Morocco is a green economy financing program, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will provide financing to Moroccan private enterprises through local financial institution partners. Supported by the European Union (EU), the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It will enable local companies to invest in green technologies, reduce their costs through climate adaptation measures, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.