French company SGT is set to embark on an ambitious project in 2024, as it gears up to establish a new rPET production unit at its existing facility located in Rezé. Currently operating a manufacturing site in Chalon-sur-Saone in the southeastern region of France, SGT is known for its production of 12,000 tonnes of rPET. However, with an eye toward the future and in anticipation of the forthcoming EU Directive mandating that PET bottles contain at least 25% recycled content by 2025, the company is preparing to significantly expand its operations.

This expansion entails the addition of an impressive 14,000 tonnes of food-grade rPET production capacity to its existing site in Rezé, where the company's headquarters are also based. This strategic move aligns with SGT's commitment to sustainability and its eagerness to contribute to environmental goals.

Intriguingly, SGT's expansion plans also involve embracing cutting-edge technologies and prioritizing ecological and energy optimization. One of the key benefits of this new facility in Rezé is its potential to significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint. Mignot elaborated on this aspect, explaining that the new site would allow them to reduce their CO2 emissions by limiting the flow of trucks between Chalon-sur-Saone and Rezé, with an estimated reduction of approximately 250 trucks per year. By minimizing transportation requirements, SGT is taking a substantial step toward reducing its environmental impact.

As SGT embarks on this ambitious journey, the company is also gearing up for an increase in its workforce. To effectively run the new production site, SGT is planning to recruit a range of professionals, including production and maintenance operators and technicians. This recruitment drive underlines the company's commitment not only to expanding its operations but also to creating employment opportunities within the community.

The significance of this endeavor has been recognized and supported by ADEME, the ecological transition agency for western France. Financial assistance from ADEME underscores the project's alignment with broader environmental and sustainability objectives. This partnership will play a pivotal role in facilitating the successful establishment of the new rPET production unit.

Looking ahead, the timeline for this ambitious project is taking shape. Construction work is scheduled to commence in December 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting phase of development. The ultimate goal is to commission the new rPET production unit in the second quarter of 2024. This timeline reflects the company's commitment to swiftly adapt to changing industry regulations and its dedication to meeting the upcoming EU Directive's requirements for recycled content in PET bottles.