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The anatomy of
Tetra Pak® carton packages

Our packages have been in constant development since we started more than 70 years ago. Then, as now, paperboard is the primary material used to produce our carton packages. We use just enough to make the package stable, without adding unnecessary weight. Paperboard is made from wood fibres, a renewable resource that, if managed responsibly, grows back.

The anatomy of
Tetra Pak® carton packages

Our packages have been in constant development since we started more than 70 years ago. Then, as now, paperboard is the primary material used to produce our carton packages. We use just enough to make the package stable, without adding unnecessary weight. Paperboard is made from wood fibres, a renewable resource that, if managed responsibly, grows back.

Elements of a carton package

Paperboard role, packaging material

Paperboard

On average, more than 70 percent of a Tetra Pak carton by weight is paperboard. Although we don't own or manage any forests, we apply our purchasing power to promote sustainable forest management.

More about how we work with paperboard⁠⁠
Polymer granules

Polymers

Polymers protect against outside moisture and enables the paperboard to stick to the aluminium foil. Plastic is also used to make caps, closures, and straws. In 2011 we launched the industry's first caps made from plant-based polymers while in 2020, we introduced certified recycled polymers in our carton packages, increasing the circularity of our packages.

More about how we work with polymers⁠⁠
Aluminium⁠ foil

Aluminium

On the inside of our aseptic cartons, a layer of aluminium eight times thinner than a human hair provides vital protection from oxygen and light, keeping perishable food safe without refrigeration for months. We are continually innovating to make this layer as thin as possible and working towards developing an aseptic package that uses an alternative material for its barrier layer.

More about how we work with aluminium⁠⁠

Packaging material innovations

Holding hand on tree

Renewable materials

Packaging made from responsibly sourced, renewable materials, such as paperboard and plant-based polymers, can reduce your dependency on finite, fossil-based resources. Discover how these materials can help satisfy consumer demands for sustainable packaging solutions, boost your brand value, and achieve significant per package CO2 emission reductions.1

Learn more about renewable materials⁠
Hand with polymers and a package

Recycled materials

Recycling is an important part of circularity and for it to be effective, food packages need to be recyclable by design. To achieve this, we’re designing our paper-based carton packages for recycling, increasing the fibre content and use of 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. It’s all part of our ambition to create the world’s most sustainable food package.2

Learn more about recycled materials⁠
Carton with the power of paper design, blue waves

Paper-based barrier

One of our most ambitious innovation projects yet, the paper-based barrier will replace the aluminium foil layer in our aseptic packages. It advances the shift from high-carbon, fossil-based materials to low-carbon renewable materials by increasing the paper content of the packaging. Together with the progress being made with plant-based polymers, this new material plays a major role in reaching our long-term ambition to deliver the world's most sustainable food package.2

Learn more about paper-based barrier⁠

Towards the world’s most sustainable food package1

In 2018, we started to restructure our packaging portfolio innovation strategy around our vision of the ideal beverage carton – paper-based, with the lowest possible carbon footprint, made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, and fully recyclable. In 2019, we significantly accelerated our development efforts and increased our investment to achieve this vision, focusing on different workstreams, such as increase the share of renewable materials or using certified recycled polymers and paper in our packaging materials.

Discover more⁠
See-through carton on grass

Explore other packaging areas

Tetra Pak carton packaging

Packages

Explore a wide package range – for dairy, beverages, plant-based and beyond. We offer various sizes, shapes, and innovative solutions for aseptic, chilled, and food, including packages designed for recycling using the latest technologies.

Explore packages⁠
The openings of three cartons

Openings

Discover a variety of openings – tethered caps, paper straws, plant-based caps, all designed for consumer convenience and to meet your sustainability goals.

Explore openings⁠
Cartons on podiums

Differentiation

From unique silhouettes to impactful material effects and versatile sizes, we design packaging solutions that set your brand apart and stand out on the shelf.

Explore the possibilities⁠

1 For example, up to 37%. 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.
2 Paper-based, with the lowest possible carbon footprint, made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, and fully recyclable. This means creating cartons that are fully made of renewable or recycled materials, that are responsibly sourced, thereby helping to protect and restore our planet's climate, resources and biodiversity; contributing towards low carbon production and distribution; are convenient and safe, therefore helping to enable a resilient food system; and are fully recyclable.