The story of cartons
Cartons do so much more than protect food, they also expand access to food, reduce food waste and have a lower climate-impact compared to single-use packaging made primarily from fossil fuel-based materials in the diary and juice categories*.
Watch the film to see how cartons protect food, benefit people and help keep valuable materials in use.
The story of cartons
Cartons do so much more than protect food, they also expand access to food, reduce food waste and have a lower climate-impact compared to single-use packaging made primarily from fossil fuel-based materials in the diary and juice categories*.
Watch the film to see how cartons protect food, benefit people and help keep valuable materials in use.
A multilayered approach: what’s the role of cartons?
As the world’s population grows and pressure on resources increases, packaging plays a critical role in protecting perishable food and ensuring access to nutrition, all while helping safeguard the planet for future generations.
In this video, you can explore the innovations shaping the future of carton packaging, from advancing renewable materials to improving recycling, and the importance of collaboration across the value chain.
This content was paid for by Tetra Pak and produced in partnership with the Financial Times Commercial Department.
Watch the video and explore the full immersive article to learn more.
A multilayered approach: what’s the role of cartons?
As the world’s population grows and pressure on resources increases, packaging plays a critical role in protecting perishable food and ensuring access to nutrition, all while helping safeguard the planet for future generations.
In this video, you can explore the innovations shaping the future of carton packaging, from advancing renewable materials to improving recycling, and the importance of collaboration across the value chain.
This content was paid for by Tetra Pak and produced in partnership with the Financial Times Commercial Department.
Watch the video and explore the full immersive article to learn more.
Food protection
Aseptic cartons protect food from physical damage, heat, light, and harmful bacteria, preserving its colour, texture, and taste for months without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. This extended shelf life, combined with the ability to store and transport food without refrigeration, makes food accessible everywhere while also helping to reduce food waste.
Carbon footprint perspective
Multiple Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and carbon footprint calculators indicate that paper-based cartons tend to have a lower carbon footprint compared to single-use packaging made primarily from fossil fuel-based materials in the diary and juice categories*.
Keeping valuable materials in circulation
Recycling supports a circular future by keeping valuable materials in use for longer. Cartons can be recycled where collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure is in place, at scale. Expanding this infrastructure remains a priority for us. The paper fibres in cartons can be repurposed into new paper products such as boxes and shopping bags, while the remaining non-fibre materials can be recycled into items like warehouse pallets, outdoor furniture, floor panels and more.
*Tetra Pak. (2025). Lifecycle Assessment. Source: https://www.tetrapak.com/sustainability/measuring-and-reporting/life-cycle-assessment.
**Where adequate collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures are in place, at scale.