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Renewable Materials
On average, 70% of a Tetra Pak carton is comprised of plant-based renewable materials.
Renewable materials are better for the environment because they can be replenished over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials.
The main component of all Tetra Pak cartons is paperboard from Forest Stewardship Council® - (FSC®)-certified forests and other controlled sources. This means the wood fiber in our paperboard comes from forests independently certified as being managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management.
Some brands choose to incorporate our paper-based straws as well as caps and coatings made from sugarcane-based polymers to further increase the renewable content of the packaging.
Long shelf life, less food waste
One-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted and accounts for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. This amounts to 1.3 billion tons per year, with an estimated value of nearly $1 trillion USD.
Shelf-stable Tetra Pak cartons are designed to prolong shelf life of products without the need for additives, preservatives, or refrigeration.
Whether you’re seeking options to minimize reliance on refrigerated storage or you are hoping to cut shrinkage due to expiration dates, products in Tetra Pak® aseptic cartons offer a solution.
Tetra Pak is committed to carton recycling
Yes, Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable. In fact, access to residential carton recycling in the U.S. has grown nearly 240% since 2009.
In both the U.S. and Canada, food and beverage cartons are classified as a mainstream recyclable material meaning they are accepted in more than 60% of household recycling programs and they can carry recycling logo without qualification.
Recycling Tetra Pak cartons helps to protect natural resources, reduce climate impact and contribute to communities.
Tetra Pak is committed to carton recycling
Yes, Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable. In fact, access to residential carton recycling in the U.S. has grown nearly 240% since 2009.
In both the U.S. and Canada, food and beverage cartons are classified as a mainstream recyclable material meaning they are accepted in more than 60% of household recycling programs and they can carry recycling logo without qualification.
Recycling Tetra Pak cartons helps to protect natural resources, reduce climate impact and contribute to communities.
Investing for the future
Tetra Pak’s ambition is to create “the world’s most sustainable food package," solely made from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable and carbon neutral. In 2021 the company committed to invest 100 million euros annually for five to ten years to support this goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: We are an end-to-end supplier, meaning:
- We offer end-to-end packaging and processing solutions.
- We help brands of all sizes develop formulation.
- We teach brands how to understand trends and remain competitive in today’s market.
A: Yes! Tell us your desired volume, format, and geography; we shortlist certified processing and fulfillment facilities, saving months of cold-calling.
Tetra Pak helps find line time, establish Quality Assurance (QA) protocols, and forecast flexibility so you can scale without significant capital investments.
Video reference: Co-Manufacturing With Tetra Pak
A: Yes! Tetra Pak has Product Development Centers around the world to help ensure your formulation is market ready. Screen recipes, dial in and run shelf-life/heat penetration tests, and leave with commercial ready specs.
We can connect however works best for you:
- On-site
- Remote
- Hybrid
A: Aseptic cartons have a longer shelf life than many other forms of packaging. They do not need to be refrigerated during transportation or storage, reducing retail leakage.
A: At Tetra Pak, we take a full value chain approach to sustainability – from responsible sourcing of materials to efficient operations and recyclable materials, we work to minimize our impact at every step. Some benefits we offer are:
- Minimized Environmental Impact – On average, 70% of a Tetra Pak carton is comprised of plant-based renewable materials.
- Carbon Footprint – Our Carton CO2 Calculator model is verified through the Carbon Trust as capable of generating cradle-to-grave carbon footprints in compliance with international standards.
- Recyclable – Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable and access to residential carton recycling in the U.S. has grown nearly 240% since 2009.
- Food Waste – Aseptic packages do not require refrigeration for transportation and storage, limiting retail leakage and improving consumer experience.
We’re also the only carton beverage packaging producer whose calculation model is verified by third party for calculating the cradle-to-grave climate impact to support on-pack CO2 reduction claims for packaging made with plant-based polymers.
Video reference: Tetra Pak: Our Sustainability Story
A: Shelf stable (aseptic) cartons are made of approximately:
- 70% paperboard
- 25% plastic (polyethylene)
- 5% aluminum
Refrigerated cartons are made of approximately:
- 80% paperboard
- 20% polyethylene
A: On average, 70% of a Tetra Pak carton is comprised of plant-based renewable materials.
A: Yes, Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable! We’ve worked hard over the last 15 years to increase household access and the rate of carton recycling through the Carton Council.
- Today, 63% of households have access to carton recycling.
- This exceeds the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) threshold for use of the recycling label.
- More than 77 million households can recycle cartons.
Video Reference: Tetra Pak® Carton Recycling Process
A: Yes! Our Carton CO2 Calculator model is independently verified through the Carbon Trust.
It supports cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessment and complies with international standards for carbon accounting.
We’re also the only carton beverage packaging producer whose calculation model is verified by third party for calculating the cradle-to-grave climate impact to support on-pack CO2 reduction claims for packaging made with plant-based polymers.
Learn more: Steering brands towards lower carbon packaging with Tetra Pak | The Carbon Trust
A: The materials included result in an efficient, safe and lightweight package. Each material serves a purpose.
- Paper provides strength and stiffness. Since it is a renewable resource, paper is also a sustainable packaging material.
- Polyethylene makes packages liquid tight and provides a barrier to microorganisms during transport and storage.
- Aluminum foil keeps out air, light and bacteria, all of which can cause food deterioration.
Video overview: How Are Shelf-Stable Tetra Pak® Cartons Made?
A: These terms refer to the same product and package combination.
Aseptic:
- Aseptic refers to sterile processing that ensures a product remains free of bacteria and pathogens until opened.
- After the package is opened, the product must be refrigerated and consumed within a few days, as exposure to air allows bacteria to grow.
Shelf stable:
- A shelf stable food or beverage is a product that can be safely stored at room temperature without refrigeration.
- Stability depends on factors such as moisture or acidity.
- Many aseptically processed packages are shelf stable until opened.
A: The ultra-thin layer of foil forms a barrier against light and oxygen, helping to protect the product against spoilage without using preservatives, and does not come in contact with the food product.
A: Products in Tetra Pak aseptic cartons are shelf stable and don't require preservatives due to a combination of processing and packaging technologies.
First, the product undergoes ultra-pasteurization, where it is heated to a high temperature for a short time, eliminating all bacteria that could cause spoilage.
Immediately after, the product goes directly into the Tetra Pak carton, and is sealed while still in a 100-percent sterile environment.
The Tetra Pak carton blocks air and light so the product can be stored without the use of refrigeration or preservatives.
Video overview: Aseptic Innovation at Tetra Pak
A: After being packaged aseptically, the unopened product is shelf stable for anywhere from six months to a year. After the package is opened, refrigeration is required.
A: The packaging protects the product’s taste and quality and delivers it in a convenient manner. It does not affect the nutritional value of the product inside.
A: There are some differences between chilled and aseptic packages.
Chilled packages:
- The product is not commercially sterile.
- The product must be kept refrigerated below 46.4°F (8°C).
Aseptic packages:
- The product maintains a commercially sterile environment.
- The product can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration.
- The packaging includes an additional barrier material.
A: We offer chilled packaging in three distinctive shapes, available in a broad range of formats and volumes. These packages are designed to:
- Strengthen your sustainability credentials
- Offer versatility and functionality
- Align with the latest consumer trends
And with seven decades of experience in chilled food and beverages, we have the expertise and knowledge to support and optimize all aspects of your production, from innovation and processing to market and consumer insights.
Learn more about our chilled package options: Chilled packages | Tetra Pak Global
A: There are many factors to consider regarding the shelf life of chilled, or cold chain, products. However, they are primarily affected by:
- Raw materials quality
- Initial microbiological load
- Acid levels
- Processing method
- Hygiene
- Temperature levels
- The packaging line and package
- Storage and distribution conditions
A: Our friendly team is here to help! Just fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.