Tetra Pak unveils paper-based barrier for juice cartons in partnership with García Carrión

SWITZERLAND – Tetra Pak has introduced the world’s first aseptic carton featuring a paper-based barrier specifically designed for juice packaging, developed alongside Spanish beverage leader García Carrión. 

The new Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 ml Slim Leaf carton, launched under the Don Simón brand, replaces the conventional aluminum foil layer with a renewable paper alternative, enabling broader adoption in markets seeking lower environmental impacts from food packaging.

This rollout marks the debut of the technology in the juice sector and its initial availability in Spain. 

The carton consists of up to 80% paper, paired with plant-based polymers in the coatings to achieve 92% renewable content overall. 

Independent verification by the Carbon Trust shows a 43% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional aseptic packages that rely on aluminum and fossil-based polymers.

García Carrión plans to expand this format across multiple European markets in the coming months, building on its 360° Sustainability Strategy, which earned the company the Factories of the Future Award 2024 for advancements in circular economy practices.

Don José García Carrión, president of the company, highlighted the project’s alignment with long-term goals. 

He stated that for over 135 years, the firm has prioritized environmental responsibility through innovation. 

Fala Corujo, vice president, noted that the new packaging helps cut environmental effects while maintaining product quality for consumers.

Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president of Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak, described the development as a key milestone. 

She explained that close collaboration with partners like García Carrión demonstrates how such technologies can expand to various categories without sacrificing performance. 

The paper-based barrier maintains protection against oxygen, light, moisture, and bacteria, preserving shelf life equivalent to foil-based versions. 

Where recycling facilities exist, these cartons can be collected, sorted, and processed efficiently, yielding higher-quality fiber recovery and improved downstream operations for recyclers.

This juice application follows Tetra Pak’s 2023 debut of the barrier in dairy cartons with a Portuguese producer, an effort that secured the Resource Efficiency award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024. 

The technology forms part of Tetra Pak’s ongoing work to produce cartons from responsibly sourced renewables or recycled materials, targeting the lowest feasible carbon emissions alongside full recyclability.

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