Miklan-Ryza

Closed circulation of used paper packaging

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Poland’s Miklan-Ryza, based in Toruń, is a manufacturer of paper hygiene products that has developed an innovative technology that recycles most paper-containing multi-material packaging in addition to paper waste such as newspapers, books and cardboard.

The company is thus giving a second life to waste hygiene products such as towels and toilet paper, and in the future, napkins and paper bags.

WHAT NEEDS DOES THE INNOVATION ADDRESS?

Miklan-Ryza has been working with McDonald’s Poland for many years, resulting in an innovative closed-loop economy (GOZ) system in place at the chain’s restaurants. The technology developed by McDonald’s and the Torun-based recycler makes it possible to recycle used packaging that ends up in garbage cans at McDonald’s locations in Poland. Cellulose fibers are recovered even from so-called difficult packaging, that is, packaging soiled with food or containing an admixture of plastic. New, wholesome products are created from them – paper towels, toilet paper and beverage trays, which are returned to the restaurant.

The recycler currently processes about 800 tons of used packaging per month.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

The innovative technology addresses the growing need to develop new methods for sustainable recycling of so-called difficult waste in order to reuse paper fibers in new products, as well as relieve the burden on the environment. Target groups are companies generating multi-material waste in the food industry, e.g. used paper cups, cardboard sandwich wrappers, burger wrapping papers, sachets of French fries, milk and juice packs.

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