Why renewable and recycled polymers in packaging material matter
Polymers used in food and beverage packaging can be derived from plant-based materials like sugarcane, which are renewable if responsibly sourced. When this is the case, it can reduce the packaging’s impact on climate change compared to that of traditional packaging materials, such as plastics derived from fossil fuels1. Polymers can also be linked to recycled materials. Using certified recycled polymers in food packaging is an important step towards transforming waste into new resources, decreasing reliance on virgin, fossil-based materials and helping to keep plastic out of landfills.
The world’s first cap using certified recycled polymers6
In collaboration with Elvir, a subsidiary of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Tetra Pak has become the first carton packaging player in the food and beverage industry to launch a cap using certified recycled polymers. During 2025, Elvir has been extending the use of certified recycled polymers to all its cream cartons’ caps, confirming its position as a pioneer in the circular economy.
1 By “traditional packaging material” we compare to some other packaging alternatives for beverages and liquid food. This is based on Lifecycle Assessment (LCA). Read more about LCAs at https://www.tetrapak.com/sustainability/measuring-and-reporting/life-cycle-assessment
2 Based on climate accounting internal calculations (volume x emission factor) considering 56.9 kilo tonnes of plant-based plastic purchased in 2024. To calculate the avoided emissions number, we use a third-party emission factor for the plant-based polymers from public available lifecycle assessment by Braskem. Source: PE-Im-green-bio-based-LCA-Results-SUMMARY-ENG.pdf
3 Carbon Trust-verified Tetra Pak ‘Carton CO2 Calculator’ model version 11 (valid from 2025-01-01). Scope: cradle-to-grave measurement of a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge with Plant-based LightCap™ 30 (and plant-based polymers in coating) compared to a standard Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge LightCap™ 30 package. Geography: Tetra Pak global average data. View the full carbon footprint report for Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge LightCap™ 30.
4 Progress against this target is measured based on the share of ISCC+ certified recycled polymers used at European sites.
5 The concept of traceability refers to the tracking of a product throughout its production, processing and distribution phases, from the procurement of the raw materials for its manufacture until it reaches the end consumer.
6 A ‘certified recycled polymer’ is a plastic whose cost includes a premium that finances the collection, sorting, cleaning and processing of plastic waste that cannot be recycled via conventional mechanical means. The third-party certification verifies that the required amount of plastic waste has been recycled into raw material for making new plastics.