Go Nature. Go Carton.
OVERVIEW ACTIONS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS EXPLORE
Increasing the paper-based content of carton packages
Our carton packages are primarily paper-based, a renewable resource which we source responsibly. This helps beverage cartons feature a lower carbon footprint than other packaging solutions1.
In aseptic carton packages, aluminium foil layer is used to protect the contents from oxygen and light, preserving nutritional value and flavour for months, even without refrigeration. Although thinner than a human hair and constituting only 5% of the package, the aluminium foil layer in our aseptic packages is responsible for approximately one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions linked with base materials. We’re investing and working in enhancing the packaging design to increase the share of renewable materials and paper-based content in our aseptic carton packages.
Carton packages featuring a paper-based barrier on shelves
In 2020, we have initiated a 15-month commercial technology validation of a polymer-based barrier replacing the aluminium foil layer. This helped to understand the value chain implications of the change.
The journey continued in 2022 with the next level of development - a commercial consumer testing of a paper-based barrier.
Together with Lactogal, we’re now set to launch the Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with a paper-based barrier, that is a first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions, and achieving a remarkable 90% renewable content. With around 80% paperboard, this package reduces CO2 emissions by an impressive 33% compared to traditional aseptic cartons1.
Catering to consumer preferences
Alongside the increase in renewability share, cartons with higher paper content are more appealing to paper mills, promising a potential shift towards a low-carbon circular economy for packaging.
A recent global study shows that 31% of consumers would be more motivated to sort for recycling if packages were made entirely from paperboard2. Increasing the paper content in our packaging solutions will also help cater to these consumers.
The journey continues
To keep the innovation running, we are collaborating with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders throughout the value chain. And we’re investing up to €100 million per year over the next five to 10 years to further enhance the environmental profile of food cartons, including the development of packages that are made with a simplified material structure and increased renewable content.
Tetra Pak and Lactogal cut carbon footprint of aseptic cartons for milk | Tetra Pak Global
1Source: Carbon Trust™-certified Tetra Pak ‘Carton CO2 Calculator’ model version 9 (valid from 2023-01-01). Scope: cradle-to-grave measurement of a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with plant-based polymers in coating and paper-based barrier compared to a standard Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf package. Geography: EU Industry data.
2Ifeu. (2020). Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Tetra Pak carton packages and alternative packaging system for beverages and liquid food on the European market. Source: Institut fur Energie – und Unweltforschung Heidelberg
3Tetra Pak Sustainable Packaging Consumer Research, 2023