Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has been recognized with the ‘Resource Efficiency’ award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024. This accolade celebrates Tetra Pak’s groundbreaking innovation in paper-based barrier materials, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward more sustainable packaging solutions. The award highlights Tetra Pak’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of packaging while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and performance.
A Breakthrough in Sustainable Packaging
The Sustainable Packaging News Awards aim to spotlight the most impactful advancements in sustainable packaging solutions over the past year. Tetra Pak’s award-winning innovation introduces a paper-based barrier combined with plant-based polymers, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of aseptic food packaging by up to one-third. This innovation addresses the increasing global demand for low-carbon, renewable materials within food systems while maintaining product quality and safety.
A World-First in the Carton Packaging Industry
What sets Tetra Pak’s innovation apart is its introduction of a paper-based barrier that replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer used for food protection against oxygen and light. The company’s development marks a world-first in the carton packaging industry. By using paper instead of aluminium, Tetra Pak has increased the paperboard content of its cartons from an average of 70 per cent to approximately 80 per cent. This significant shift contributes to a lower carbon footprint by reducing the reliance on non-renewable materials.
Carbon Reduction Verified by the Carbon Trust
The environmental benefits of Tetra Pak’s innovation have been independently verified by the Carbon Trust, a global leader in carbon footprint analysis. The Carbon Trust confirmed that the new packaging solution reduces the carbon footprint by up to one-third compared to traditional aseptic cartons. This achievement was calculated using Tetra Pak’s ‘Carton CO2 Calculator’ (version 9), which compares a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with plant-based polymers and a paper-based barrier to a standard version of the same package within the EU.
Driving Change in the Packaging Industry
Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier technology is part of a broader industry trend towards sustainable packaging solutions. As global food systems increasingly demand low-carbon, renewable materials, the packaging industry is exploring alternatives to the aluminium foil layer traditionally used for food protection. This shift not only helps reduce environmental impact but also aligns with consumer preferences for sustainable products.
The move to replace aluminium with paper represents a significant advancement in packaging technology. According to Marco Marchetti, Vice President of Packaging Materials, Sales, and Distribution Solutions at Tetra Pak, “We are honoured to accept this award from Sustainable Packaging News for our paper-based barrier material innovation. This award highlights our commitment to customer-driven innovation by harnessing the power of paper to achieve renewability, recyclability, and carbon reduction while safeguarding food safety.”
Increased Renewable Content
Tetra Pak’s innovation does more than just replace materials it enhances the overall sustainability of aseptic cartons. When combined with plant-based polymers, the new packaging solution increases the renewable content of the aseptic cartons to as much as 90 per cent. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also increases the use of renewable resources in the production process, making the packaging more sustainable in the long term.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its collaborative efforts with customers, suppliers, and partners. By working together, they are paving the way for a new era of sustainable packaging that protects both food and the planet. “We are proud to collaborate with customers, suppliers, and partners on our journey to transform food systems for a low-carbon future,” Marchetti added. “Together, we are paving the way for a new era of sustainable packaging that protects both food and the planet.”
The Future of Sustainable Packaging
Tetra Pak’s award-winning innovation is just one step in its broader strategy to transform the packaging industry. As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow, Tetra Pak remains committed to developing new technologies and collaborating across the value chain to achieve its sustainability goals. The company’s focus on paper-based barrier materials is a testament to its dedication to environmental stewardship and its role as a leader in the packaging industry.
With this recognition, Tetra Pak continues to set the standard for sustainable packaging solutions, paving the way for a future where packaging not only protects food but also helps protect the planet. The ‘Resource Efficiency’ award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024 is a significant achievement for Tetra Pak and a reminder of the critical role that innovation plays in driving sustainability in the packaging industry.
