Indicative CO2 Profile of an aseptic beverage carton

The CO2 profile across the life cycle of a representative 1 litre Tetra Brik Aseptic package for milk or juice under European conditions is illustrated below. Cradle-to-Gate results for a number of other carton packages can be generated using the CO2 calculator.

Standard 1 litre Tetra Brik Aseptic (model version 1.1 / 2007-09-14)

As with all life cycle based work results vary depending on the scope of the study, the methodological choices made and the underlying data used. The end-of-life settings are based on average European waste management conditions with 49% landfill, 19% energy recovery and 32% recycling.

The figure below illustrates the variation of the profile with different energy recovery and recycling rates.

In producing this CO2 profile trade offs have been made between simplicity and ease of use on one hand and precision and specificity on the other. The calculations were made with industry average data and for European conditions. The methodology and data employed are based on a 'Carbon Indicator Tool for Beverage Cartons' prepared by the Institute for Energy and Environment Research - IFEU, Heidelberg, Germany for ACE, The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment. IFEU is an independent consultant with long standing experience in the LCI/LCA business and expertise in packaging related topics.

The results should not be used to support comparative assertions made to the public nor directly for labelling. Any such use would fall outside of the requirements of the relevant ISO standards.