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Local companies that recycle paper and plastic waste are witnessing growing export prospects for their output. Some of them have entered new markets and are exploring other countries. Thanks to the continuous upgrade of their machinery some firms have bolstered their productivity and this has also enabled them to manufacture products in line with international standards. Recycling companies have the potential to increase their output without having to invest in new machinery since they are often operating below capacity mainly due a short local supply of recyclable waste materials (their raw material). Domestic supply of waste could grow if certain conditions are met such as incentivizing sorting activities. Increasing environmental awareness locally and globally offers promising prospects to the recycling industry at many levels including growing demand for eco-friendly products, and favorable legislation.
Export prospects
Recycling firms are tapping export opportunities on global markets to increase their revenues and secure fresh dollars especially that local demand has weakened due to the crisis. Roky Plast, which recycles plastic waste to produce polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene granules, has recently entered Chile and Venezuela and plans to expand its exports to other Latin American countries including Brazil. “There is a growing demand in Latin America for our products. We are exploring export markets in order to sell our large output as weak demand on the local market is not enough,” said , Owner and General Manager of Roky Plast which has witnessed an increase in its overseas sales. The company exports half of its output to African countries, the Gulf region (such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia), European countries (such as Greece, Belgium, and Germany), and North African countries (like Algeria and Morocco). Lebanese Recycling Works (LRW), which has recently entered Turkey, exports its products to Europe, Africa, and to a lesser extent China. LRW recycles plastic waste into plastic pellets and flakes and also produces crates for vegetables and fruits from the recycled material. SICOMO, a paper and cardboard recycling factory, has also entered Turkey recently. The company exports 60-65 percent of its output to Jordan, Gulf countries, France, Greece, North, General Manager of SICOMO.
