November 16, 2023, saw the official celebration for the opening of ALOXE's new production plant in Messein (France). Here, they recycle post-consumer PET bottles and process them into high-quality pellets. EREMA is the technology partner and supplied two new VACUNITE® systems, which have been in operation since September of this year. The two EREMA recycling machines from the old site in Vézelise, 15 kilometres away, will be transferred to Messein in December, increasing ALOXE's production capacity in France from 12,500 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes of PET pellets per year.

Using more rPET is an EU objective

The European Union is committed to achieving an rPET content of 25 percent in PET beverage bottles. Arnaud Piroëlle, co-founder of ALOXE, sees the challenge of implementing this target first and foremost in the fact that the production capacity in Europe is currently not sufficient to achieve the required quantity of recyclate. After all, the material must be food compliant in line with EFSA standards. "Worldwide, including in Europe, the demand for PET packaging continues to grow, especially for the beverage, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The only feasible future-focused response to this situation is to use a higher proportion of rPET in packaging. Our customers are looking for a high-quality and food grade rPET that meets their sustainable, regulatory and carbon reduction objectives.

The relocation of the two existing EREMA machines will make the Messein site the largest rPET production plant in France. ALOXE is planning to expand capacity in Poland and Italy as well, and the expansion project will include a VACUNITE® system. "We are delighted with our successful work together with EREMA, who, like us, is a strong European player with the mission of driving forward the European circular economy," says Arnaud Piroëlle.