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How ZETA builds a closed-loop plastic recycling system

ZETA Group, a manufacturing company uniting eight factories, has been operating in the Kazakhstan market for more than 30 years. Today, the share of local content in the company’s products reaches nearly 80%, and one of its key areas of activity is plastic recycling and working with secondary raw materials.

This area of activity was explored during a visit to one of the group’s plants located in the city of Talgar. A full production cycle has been established here — from sorting and recycling plastic waste to manufacturing finished products.

Full-cycle production

The facility operates 47 injection molding machines and uses more than 300 molds, making it possible to produce a wide range of products — from small components to large-sized items, including waste containers.

Company founder Kanat Baytenovich Omarov, speaking about the plant’s history, recalls that the starting point for the development of the plastics direction was 2003 — the year when the first Italian-made injection molding machine was purchased.

Today, the enterprise specializes in the production of polypropylene and polyethylene products. The core assortment consists of components for chairs and armchairs, as well as household and utility goods.

Secondary plastic — a necessity, not a choice

According to the company’s management, years of experience have led to a clear understanding: the use of secondary raw materials is not an option, but an essential element of modern industry.

“Secondary plastic should be returned to production as much as possible wherever it can be applied. This is not a matter of choice for individual companies, but a matter of responsibility for the entire industry.”

— notes Kanat Baytenovich Omarov

Every month, ZETA collects around 15–20 tons of plastic waste. Packaging is sorted at the company’s branches, cardboard is transferred to local recyclers, and plastic is sent to the main plant.

Overall, the structure processes about 300 tons of raw materials per month, including approximately 100 tons of virgin material and 200 tons of secondary raw materials.

How plastic recycling works

Plastic waste is sorted, washed, dried, shredded, and melted into granules. The material then goes to the mixing shop and subsequently to injection molding machines, where finished products are formed under high temperature and pressure.

“We view plastic waste as a resource that, with properly organized processes, can be returned to circulation and turned into products with added value.”

— emphasizes company head Kanat Baytenovich Omarov

The material was prepared based on a publication by Kazakhstanskaya Pravda.