Morocco: Automatic Cardboard Baler Helps Recyclers Cut OCC Logistics Costs in Tangier Free Trade Zone

Case study from Tangier Free Trade Zone: ENERPAT’s automatic cardboard baler helps recyclers increase container loading efficiency and reduce OCC logistics costs.

The Tangier Free Trade Zone in Morocco is a major logistics hub for regional waste recycling activities. However, recyclers working with OCC (Old Corrugated Cardboard) and plastics often face a critical challenge: high transportation costs. Loose OCC is bulky and consumes excessive space, while container capacity is limited. This directly reduces loading efficiency and compresses profit margins—especially for recyclers conducting cross-border shipments.

A local recycling company in Tangier experienced this issue as daily OCC volumes continued to grow. The customer was searching for a cardboard baler capable of baling OCC into specific dimensions and weights to load 25 tons into a 40-foot HQ container, while achieving a minimum throughput of 4 tons per hour to avoid material accumulation. Improving efficiency and reducing logistics costs became essential for maintaining competitiveness in the free trade zone.

The customer faced a set of operational challenges while managing his recycling business in the Tangier Free Trade Zone, particularly related to transportation efficiency and baling performance. His specific needs included:

1. High Transportation Costs

Loose OCC (Old Corrugated Cardboard) occupies significant space, and traditional manual baling achieves low density. This limited container loading capacity and drove up cross-regional transportation costs, directly impacting profit margins.

2. Throughput and Productivity

With a steady daily intake of cardboard, the customer required a baler capable of processing at least 4 tons per hour. Insufficient equipment capacity would lead to material backlog, operational delays, and reduced efficiency.

3. Free Trade Zone Operational Requirements

Operating within the Tangier Free Trade Zone, the customer needed machinery that was:

Reliable and robust, able to run continuously under heavy workloads

Easy to maintain

Versatile, capable of handling both cardboard and plastics

Logistics-compatible, allowing for smooth container loading and shipment

These challenges defined the customer’s key criteria for selecting a high-performance, automated cardboard baler that could reduce costs, increase efficiency, and optimize his recycling operations.

【ENERPAT Solution: Full Automatic Horizontal Auto-Tie Baler

To meet these requirements, ENERPAT supplied its HBA Series Full Automatic Horizontal Baler, integrating compression and automatic tying for uninterrupted workflow and higher packaging density.

Based on the customer’s specifications, the HBA80-11075 model was recommended. The machine delivers:

4–8 tons per hour throughput

up to 500 kg/m³ bale density

up to 25 tons loading in a 40HQ container

This directly addressed both capacity and logistics constraints, enabling more efficient international and domestic shipments.

Key System Features
Cost Reduction

Higher bale density significantly increases container utilization. Logistics cost reductions of over 40% were projected for the customer’s OCC shipment routes.

Continuous Industrial Operation

The HBA Series features:

European hydraulic architecture

International pumps and valves

Air-conditioned cooling system for 24/7 operation

This ensures consistent performance even under high load conditions.

Designed for High-Volume Recycling

The Auto-Tie Horizontal Baler is suitable for large-scale recyclers handling cardboard, paper, and plastics. With capacity of up to 20 tons per hour, it produces dense, stackable bales that maximize warehouse and container space.

【Supporting Global Recycling Competitiveness】

This Morocco case demonstrates how ENERPAT’s automated baling solutions help recycling businesses optimize multiple critical areas, including:

Operational throughput – maintaining consistent high-volume processing

Logistics efficiency – maximizing container utilization and reducing transportation costs

Profitability – lowering operational expenses while increasing output

Sustainability – enabling more efficient recycling and resource management

For recyclers worldwide facing similar challenges—such as high transportation costs, limited manual labor, or insufficient throughput—ENERPAT offers customized cardboard balers and full automatic horizontal balers tailored to specific operational needs and market conditions.

Contact ENERPAT today to explore our equipment solutions and request a free case consultation, and discover how automation can unlock new efficiency and profitability in your recycling operations.