ASTANA (TCA) — Construction of a plant for the processing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and the production of staple fiber was completed in the Turkestan region in southern Kazakhstan, the official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan reported.
Investors in the project were Kazakhstan GreenTechnology Industries in cooperation with the foreign partner — Hong Kong General Industry and Commerce (China).
The plant started production of the first stage — washing, drying and crushing PET waste, where 73 people are already employed. Now the company has started to launch the next stage — organization of staple fiber production.
With the full launch of the plant, more than 250 jobs will be created.
Hong Kong General Industry and Commerce Co Ltd is a subsidiary of the international holding company Tianrun Group. It is the largest manufacturer and exporter of sectional heating radiators. The holding’s turnover is $400 million a year; it has production facilities in China and Europe.
Kazakh Invest national investment promotion company provided assistance in connecting the project to gas supply networks, as well as obtaining a working visa for the management and specialists of the Chinese company.
According to official statistics, 5-6 million tons of solid household waste are stored annually in Kazakhstan, of which about 150-200 thousand tons is PET waste. At the same time, only a small proportion of solid household waste, from 3% to 5%, is estimated to be disposed of or recycled.
“The project is unique in that for the first time in Kazakhstan PET waste will be processed with the production of finished products — staple fiber. This type of synthetic fiber does not crinkle, does not burn out and for a long time retains high strength, possesses a hypoallergenic property. Things made from it are pleasant to the touch, easily washable. Also, the products will be used in construction mixtures, which will improve the quality of construction works,” Executive Director of GreenTechnology Industries Clara Abdrakhmanova said.
The total cost of the project is $20 million. It is planned that 50,000 tons of finished products will be produced annually at the plant.
