Tetra Pak believes in the importance of using renewable resources for packaging. Its cartons are on average 70 percent paper, a renewable resource, from responsibly managed forests where trees continue to be replenished and one of the first uses of plant-based polyethylene in carton packaging aims to strengthen the company's renewability credentials (Its bio-based cap made from sugar cane was launched last year.) Over time, as the company increasingly adopts plant-based plastics, and develops new and thinner barrier materials it expects to be able to offer a carton range that is 100 percent renewable.
Tetra Pak's latest additions to its portfolio are intended to demonstrate the company's focus on sustainability:
Tetra Evero Aseptic is a shelf-stable carton for milk that combines the benefits of cartons with the convenience of a bottle shape, which are the easy handling and pouring of a bottle with the portability and environmental profile of a carton. The carton was designed with a seperable top to help facilitate recycling. With its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paperboard sleeve, this “carton bottle” is mainly made of responsible sourced materials and reportedly performs well on climate change impact when compared to competing formats.
Tetra Brik Aseptic Edge is suited for milks, juices, nectars, still drinks and ambient distribution without the need of preservatives. The package aims to deliver consumer convenience, reduced cost and a strong environmental performance. The ergonomic shape reportedly delivers environmental improvements, including a more efficient product-to-package ratio that is 11 percent lighter, has a 30 percent thinner aluminium foil barrier, and creates 23 percent less carbon emissions from materials. With new trends emerging in the market place around smaller size containers and diversification due to the changes in demographics and smaller households, Tetra Brik Aseptic Edge 1 liter helps answer the needs of the one- to two-persons households and expand the choices consumers have in the juice aisle, for example.
Tetra Recart is reportedly the first-ever retortable FSC carton package designed for shelf-stable products traditionally filled in cans, glass jars or pouches (foods such as vegetables, beans, tomatoes, pet food, soups and sauces). The retortable carton technology allows sterilization and cooking of the product to take place inside the package while also enabling food producers to pack and transport products efficiently. Tetra Recart packages are transported flat to the filling facility. As a result, one standard truck with empty Tetra Recart cartons reportedly equals nine standard trucks with empty cans, limiting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated. Tetra Recart also helps bring direct product cost savings due to its rectangular shape and strong shelf efficiency, and low package weight and secondary packaging.
