From juice cartons to benches: Polish city gives waste a second life

The Polish city of Białystok is showing how waste can be given a second life. The first four benches made from empty juice and other drink cartons have now been installed in the city. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling.

The benches are produced from a composite material made of 70% shredded beverage packaging and 30% polyethylene film. The raw materials are compressed at high temperature and pressure, resulting in durable boards that can be used not only for urban furniture, but also in construction and the transport industry.

The technology was developed by researchers at Poznań University of Technology, with the patent acquired by Białystok's municipal company Lech, which now handles production. According to the company's head, Michał Stefanowicz, the goal is to turn as much of the city's waste as possible into useful products while also lowering waste management costs.

Currently, Białystok recycles around 53% of its household waste. The city plans to significantly expand the use of recycled materials. At present, about 1,000 tonnes of various products from recycled materials are produced each year, and the target is to increase this volume to 4,000 tonnes in the coming years.

The company hopes the new composite material will also find demand on the commercial market. At the same time, the project encourages society to view waste as a valuable raw material.