Curious about how Tetra Pak cartons get recycled?
Check out this infographic for more details on what happens after you place a Tetra Pak carton in the recycling bin.
Recon polymers
Since 2019, Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers have joined forces to advance polyAl recycling technology. PolyAl, a blend of plastic and aluminum left after paper fibers are removed, is transformed by Recon Polymers into reusable materials for the plastics industry. In 2023, Tetra Pak strengthened this partnership with an additional €1 million investment, expanding the recycling capacity in Roosendaal to over 8,000 tons per year. As a result, about 30% of the polyAl from beverage cartons in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands can now be effectively recycled.
Curious for more? Read more about the partnership here.
AVK Plastics
Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers are also partnering with AVK Plastics to create high-quality products from recycled plastic, such as reusable pallets and cover boxes. By working together, Recon Polymers optimized its recycling process, while AVK Plastics adapted its supply chain to incorporate recycled PolyAl. So far, AVK Plastics has processed 3,000 tons of PolyAl, becoming one of the largest users in Europe. With support from Tetra Pak and Recon Polymers, they aim to expand the use of recycled PolyAl for even more applications in the future.
Curious for more? Read more about the partnership here.
Yellow Dreams
Tetra Pak and Yellow Dreams invested €3 million in a new recycling plant in Ittervoort, set to open in 2025. This facility will process polyAl, a non-fibre component of used beverage cartons, increasing recycling capacity in Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany. With a capacity of 20,000 tonnes annually, this plant will complement existing facilities and drive the EU’s recycling efforts forward.
Want to know more? Read the full article here.
Industry webinars with Change Inc.
In collaboration with the local media platform Change Inc., we explored the critical role packaging plays in food sustainability. From raw materials to recyclability, we discussed the factors driving sustainable packaging choices and how these influence Dutch retailers and producers.
Want to know more? Watch the full webinar here.
Building on the success of the first webinar, we hosted a second session that took a closer look at beverage carton recycling and circularity in the Netherlands. Experts in recycling and the market shared a behind-the-scenes view of the current recycling infrastructure, highlighting its potential to shape the future of a circular economy.
Want to know more? Watch the full webinar here.
Consumer survey results – Hedra
A recent survey reveals that Dutch consumers prefer beverage cartons for milk, fruit juices, and still drinks due to their ease of storage and recyclability. However, they remain largely unaware of the full sustainability benefits of these cartons. Conducted by market research firm Ruigrok for HEDRA, the study highlights key consumer insights on packaging choices. While 61% prefer drinks like milk and fruit juice in beverage cartons, many still lack awareness about their eco-friendly properties. With better education on the environmental advantages, there’s potential to further increase the use of beverage cartons in other sectors.
Click here for all the research results.
Tetra Pak and Schoeller Allibert to launch transport crates made from used beverage cartons
- The crates will be on display at the Plastics Recycling Show (Amsterdam, 1-2 April)
- Tetra Pak plans to gradually replace its 50,000 plus crates at its global spare-parts distribution centre in Sweden
Let's give paper-based cartons new life
After collection and sorting, cartons are loaded in a pulper and blended with water to separate the paper from the polymers and aluminium. The paper fibres are then cleaned, pressed, dried, and formed into paper rolls before becoming tissues, paper towels, cardboard boxes, and more.*
* The Netherlands work with EU fiber recyclers : PNM in Germany, Essity in France, lucart in France, Saci in Italy, Alier in Spain
