Tetra Pak wins resource efficiency award at 2024 Sustainable Packaging News Awards

UK – Tetra Pak has been awarded the prestigious ‘Resource Efficiency’ Award at the 2024 Sustainable Packaging News Awards, recognized for its groundbreaking paper-based barrier material innovation.

These awards celebrate the most impactful advancements in sustainable packaging over the past year.

Marking a world-first for the carton packaging industry, Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier material, when combined with plant-based polymers, significantly reduces the carbon footprint of aseptic food packaging by up to one-third while maintaining high standards of food safety and performance.

The Carbon Trust has independently verified this achievement. 

As the global demand for low-carbon, renewable materials grows, the packaging industry is actively exploring alternatives to aluminium foil layers traditionally used for oxygen and light protection in aseptic packaging.

Tetra Pak’s innovative paper-based barrier increases the carton’s paperboard content from an average of 70% to approximately 80%, thereby lowering its carbon footprint. 

By integrating plant-based polymers, the barrier further boosts the renewable content of aseptic cartons to an impressive 90%, making them one of the most sustainable options on the market. 

Marco Marchetti, Vice President of Packaging Materials, Sales, and Distribution Solutions at Tetra Pak, expressed pride in receiving the award, “We are honoured to accept this recognition from Sustainable Packaging News for our paper-based barrier material innovation.

“It underscores our commitment to customer-driven innovation, leveraging the power of paper to achieve renewability, recyclability, and carbon reduction, all while ensuring food safety.” 

Marchetti emphasized the importance of collaboration, adding, “We are proud to work alongside customers, suppliers, and partners as we transform food systems for a low-carbon future.

“Together, we are paving the way for a new era of sustainable packaging that protects both food and the planet.” 

This award highlights Tetra Pak’s leadership in sustainable packaging and its efforts to meet global climate goals.

By innovating beyond conventional materials, Tetra Pak continues to set benchmarks for renewable, recyclable, and resource-efficient packaging solutions that align with the evolving needs of a greener future.

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