For the first time in its history, Estonia now has its own mixed plastics recycling facility. Located in Väätsa, in the country’s centre, the new 2,400 t/y plant is a joint venture operated by Rexest Group (Mäo / Estonia; www.plastrex.eu) and local municipal waste disposal firm Väätsa Prügila (Väätsa vald / Estonia).

Speaking to local and regional media, Rexest chairman Aarne Saareväli said the plant would initially gather only waste from central Estonia, adding that there were plans to raise capacity to 10,000 t/y, depending on how demand develops. Rexest technology allows for various kinds of packaging – including yogurt tops, plastic bags and ketchup bottles – to be processed together without requiring any pre-sorting. The resulting plastic flake is later turned into plastic construction materials, including profiles, lawn furniture, greenhouses and flower boxes, marketed under the “PlastRex” brand name.

A weather-resistant material, Rexest’s PlastRex does not rot or absorb moisture and is both paintable and easy to clean. These qualities make it a great alternative to wood. In addition, PlastRex is also 100% recyclable.