We explain everything…
- 2017: the project of the recycling plant was conceptualized by a group from Reunion Island, in order to take up the challenge of a sustainable development in Reunion Island.
- 2019: Pulp Eco is born.
- 2021-2023 : feasibility studies are carried out to ensure the smooth running of the project.
Reunion Island has always faced many challenges. We are aware of the difficulties as well as the advantages of our insular and geographical situation. At present, cardboard, if it is of good quality, is exported. Otherwise, it is sent to landfill.
Current issues in Reunion
Current circuit of valorization
Our main objective is to work with the entire existing industry to improve the environment of our island.
Our strength is to create an essential link in the treatment of cellulosic waste in Reunion Island.
Thanks to the support of local and regional authorities and institutions, the project is progressing steadily and on a fast pace.
The plant
- 2023: The construction can start.
Pulp Eco chooses a modular configuration of its equipment. This will allow the transfer of wet, damp and dry pulp products. The final goal is to allow the development of industrial workshops for the local production of finished molded pulp products.
Details of the operation of the plant’s equipment
Below is a diagram summarizing the modular design of the finished product:
- 2025: the recycling plant will be operational, and the plant layout will be like this.
The plant is located at the Port Ecopark. It operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, and can recycle up to 40,000 tons of cardboard per year. The cardboard waste could be clean, wet or soiled, and major collection sources would be :
- From the separated household collection
- From waste collection centers
- From Importation warehouses
- From industries
Birth of a circular economy in Reunion
Finished products from the recycling plant
Pulp Eco’s objective is to enable the emergence of local companies that manufacture finished products from recycled cardboard pulp. These include cushioning and packaging products made from recycled cellulose fibers, for example:
- Egg cartons
- Seedling pots
- Disposable medical supports
- Cushioning for the transportation of local products and other molded cellulose products.
The establishment of the plant allows the installation of workshops for the transformation of pulp into finished products for the local and regional market. Reduce the transportation of raw material, and therefore, the carbon footprint, is the final goal.
The production of the plant will far exceed the needs of Reunion Island. For this reason the major part of the production will be prepared for export. This means the creation of dry pulp, packed in filmed bales and loaded in containers.