4.0 Digital Systems and Energy-Efficient Recycling Solutions in Australia by Altero Recycling Machinery

Interview with Marc Costa, Sales Director at Altero Recycling Machinery 

Altero Recycling Machinery is a Catalan company that has established itself as a leading manufacturer of pelletising lines for plastic recycling applications. In 2022-2023, Altero successfully expanded its operations to Australia, marking a key milestone in the company's global growth strategy. This expansion was made possible with the support of Catalonia Trade & Investment Australia, which provided assistance in navigating the complexities of entering the Australian market. By establishing a presence in Australia, Altero aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable recycling infrastructure and deliver tailored solutions that address the specific needs of Australian industries. 

In this interview, Marc C. , Sales Director at ALTERO Recycling Machinery , offers insights into the company’s strategic entry into the Australian market, the vital importance of partnering with local distributors, and how Altero plans to bring cutting-edge recycling technology to industries across the Asia-Pacific region. 

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Altero has built a strong reputation in Europe. Before focusing on the Australian expansion, can you briefly describe Altero Machinery’s journey so far? 

Although Altero Machinery was officially founded in 2018, our roots in the recycling industry go much deeper. The company was born from a project that provided technical support to leading European manufacturers of plastic recycling machinery. This invaluable experience gave us a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, as well as the expertise to design superior solutions. Drawing from that background, we established Altero as a Catalan company with the ambition of competing on a global scale. From the start, our mission has been clear: to provide cutting-edge recycling solutions with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, helping companies enhance their operational performance and achieve both economic and environmental benefits. 

Altero Machinery is known for its advanced equipment. Can you explain how your machines fit into the plastic recycling process and what sets them apart? 

Our machinery plays a vital role in the final and most crucial stage of the plastic recycling process, where we transform sorted and cleaned plastic into high-quality pellets, ready for reuse in manufacturing. We also provide solutions to manufacturers, as we help them minimize their internal scrap and to reintroduce recycled plastic into their process.  

What sets Altero apart is our commitment to innovation, value and service. Our machines are designed with energy efficiency in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising operational performance. Additionally, our Industry 4.0 digital systems provide real-time monitoring and data analysis, allowing clients to optimise their recycling processes, detect potential issues early, and reduce operational costs. This advanced integration not only improves the quality of the recycled plastic but also enhances productivity and sustainability for our clients.  

The Australian market presents unique opportunities. What motivated Altero to expand into this region? 

A progressive shift in environmental policies, particularly Australia's 2018 ban on plastic waste exports, created a pressing need for local recycling infrastructure. As our market research, backed by Catalonia Trade & Investment Australia, revealed, this regulatory change, combined with the government's push for sustainability, presented a unique opportunity for us to bring our cutting-edge technology to the region. Australia’s investment in recycling capabilities aligned perfectly with our vision to provide advanced, efficient recycling solutions that address local needs while promoting a circular economy. 

Expanding internationally often requires local partnerships. What role did Catalonia Trade & Investment Australia play in this process? 

Catalonia Trade & Investment Australia was instrumental in our entry into the Australian market. Australia is geographically distant and has logistical challenges, so we decided to work with them to make the process smoother. They provided invaluable support, from conducting detailed market studies specific to our sector to identify potential distributors and business partners. Their team, especially through our consultant Ally Lancaster , became an extension of our sales team in Australia, helping us build initial relationships with local clients and distributors. This level of support was instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful market entry. 

 Introducing new technology to a market is never simple. How did you approach the introduction of your machinery into the Australian market? 

After conducting thorough market analysis with Catalonia Trade & Investment, we decided that the best approach was to partner with a local distributor who not only had strong commercial capabilities but also the technical capacity to provide after-sales support. This was essential to ensure our clients had immediate access to assistance, which is crucial when dealing with complex industrial machinery. Eventually, we signed an agreement with MECBIO , a distributor with extensive experience in the Australian waste management industry. 

Expanding across continents comes with its own set of hurdles. What challenges have you faced during your international expansion? 

Logistical and cultural challenges are inevitable when expanding across continents, and Australia is no exception.The distance between Spain and Australia makes it harder to manage after-sales support and technical service, but thanks to our Industry 4.0 system, which allows for remote monitoring of machinery, we can offer fast and efficient service, and minimize on-site interventions.  

Moreover, partnering with a local distributor like MECBIO has been essential in overcoming these barriers. MECBIO not only brings their expertise in the waste management industry but also serves as an on-the-ground extension of our team, providing direct technical support and fostering closer relationships with our Australian clients. This partnership ensures that our customers receive personalised service and quick responses to their needs, even when we are thousands of miles away. 

Australia is a key market, but what are Altero’s future plans for the Asia-Pacific region? 

While Australia is currently our primary focus in the Asia-Pacific region, we are actively exploring expansion opportunities in New Zealand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Our long-term strategy is to establish Australia as a regional hub for operations, allowing us to serve neighboring markets more effectively. By using Australia as a base, we can scale our efforts across the region and support the growing demand for sustainable recycling infrastructure.