Polymer Recycling Plant Operates in Tambov Region

Minister of Ecology Dmitry Somov visited a plant in Kotovsk where stretch film waste is turned into secondary raw materials.

May 1, 2026

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Tambov Region Dmitry Somov inspected a new environmental enterprise in the advanced development territory of Kotovsk. The plant processes contaminated stretch film into granules suitable for manufacturing new products. During the visit, Somov examined the production workshops where the full technological cycle is carried out. Incoming secondary raw materials undergo washing and sorting, after which they are sent to the line. Materials subject to other types of processing are selected for shipment to manufacturers of polymer-sand products. Then the raw material is crushed, granulated, and packaged.

«Packaging materials have become convenient, lightweight, and accessible in the modern world, but the issue of their proper secondary use remains. In my opinion, these types of polymer recycling are simple in operational terms but very important for the environment. Integrating secondary raw material processing industries into the circular economy and subsequently obtaining primary products will reduce the amount of waste,» — emphasized Dmitry Somov. The region is implementing a program for the transition to a circular economy, designed until 2030. It includes a set of multi-level measures aimed at increasing the share of waste being utilized. The draft regional program was developed to fulfill the National Development Goal of Russia, established by presidential decree. It envisages:

sorting of 100% of the volume of annually generated municipal solid waste;

disposal of no more than 50% of such waste;

involvement in economic circulation of at least 25% of production and consumption waste as secondary resources and raw materials.