The aluminium challenge
On the inside of our aseptic cartons, a layer of aluminium eight times thinner than a human hair provides vital protection from oxygen and light, keeping perishable food safe without refrigeration for months. We are continually innovating to make this layer as thin as possible, while investigating alternative barrier materials.
Although the aluminium layer used in our aseptic packaging is minute, it is also responsible for about a third of the climate impact of our base materials. We set tough CO2 emissions targets for our aluminium foil suppliers and are continually innovating to reduce how much we use, while investigating alternative barrier materials.
Aluminium is included in aseptic cartons because it prevents oxidation and light damage. However, its production can be associated with environmental and social issues, ranging from land use and hazardous by-products; to working conditions, health and safety. Furthermore, because aluminium is traded in an open market, it can be difficult to trace back to the original source. Addressing these challenges is complex and requires continuous research and innovation, as well as working with multiple stakeholders.
Multi-business partnerships
As a founding member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), we aim to address sustainability topics related to aluminium at an industry level. Along with Rio Tinto Aluminium, BMW, Nespresso, WWF and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, we are working to establish a global standard that raises the bar for aluminium production, environmentally and socially. We are also certified to the ASI's Production Standard, which defines 59 environmental, social and governance principles and criteria.
As of 2020, 99.6% of our aluminium volume is delivered by suppliers certified for the ASI Performance Standard, which addresses GHG emissions, water use, biodiversity, human and labour rights and OHS. These suppliers are also now certified for the ASI Chain of Custody Standard, which enables a link between verified ASI Performance Standard practices at successive steps of the supply chain.
Looking ahead
We are working towards developing an aseptic package that uses an alternative to aluminium for its barrier layer. In 2019, we delivered our first ever filling machine for aluminium-free aseptic packages and the solution is now being field-tested. Our goal is to begin a market trial of an aseptic package made fully from renewable sources by 2023.
Tetra Pak certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has announced Tetra Pak as the sixth company, and third end user of aluminium to become ASI Certified, less than a year after the certification programme was launched.