A circular economy tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution by decoupling economic activity from consuming finite resources1. Based on this definition by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), we contribute to the circular economy by not only supporting the recycling and reuse of equipment but also taking into account the impact on nature and climate as well as manufacturing.
Putting circularity ambition into life
We work hard to drive the development of circular solutions, prioritising three focus areas:
- Designing recyclable food and beverage packaging
- Using recycled and renewable materials
- Expanding collection and recycling to keep materials in use and out of landfills
Bringing circularity to our equipment
To help reduce food waste and lower energy and water consumption, we apply circular design principles to the improvement and innovation of our new food processing and packaging equipment.
To extend the lifespan of our equipment, we design it to be maintained, refurbished, and repaired – and work to promote the reuse and recycling of decommissioned equipment.
Giving equipment a new lease of life
For example, Tetra Pak (TM) Certified Renovated Equipment offers leasing of second-hand filling equipment. And at the end of the leasing period, if the equipment is no longer needed, we offer a buy-back solution. The used equipment will then be sold to new food producers on the second-hand market or recycled.
In 2022, 41 filling machines and 65 pieces of distribution equipment were renovated and made available to be remarketed.
Using recycled and renewable materials
Our ambition is to deliver the world's most sustainable food packaging2, which means creating cartons made of renewable or recycled materials, responsibly sourced, contributing towards carbon-neutral production and a resilient food system. We will invest 100 million euros annually over the next five to ten years to improve recyclability and increase the use of renewable materials in our packaging. To reduce the amount of fossil plastic and aluminium by introducing certified recycled polymers3.
Finally, we are collaborating with recyclers to turn the non-fibre part of the carton, polyAl, into products such as panels, pallets, crates, furniture and tiles.
Expanding collection and recycling
Collection for recycling can be complex given the varying local contexts and regulations. But our dedicated team of 70 recycling experts around the world are working to activate, accelerate, and transform the collection and recycling of carton packages at the 200 carton recycling facilities.
From the 200 recycling facilities for carton packages, 1.2 million tonnes4 of carton packages were collected and sent for recycling in 20225. Out of that, the estimated amount of polyAl sent to recyclers was more than 100 kilotonnes.
To keep materials in use and out of landfills worldwide, we invested nearly €30 million in different collection and recycling projects for used carton packages in 2022. In the coming years, we aim to invest up to €40 million worldwide in collection and recycling projects.
1Circular economy definition. Source: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
2This 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 carbon-neutral production and distribution; are convenient and safe, therefore helping to enable a resilient food system; and are fully recyclable.
3The recycled polymers used in Tetra Pak carton packages are produced under the RSB attribution model of chain of custody (RSB Advanced Products Category III, Recycled feedstock – 100% attributed). This means that the plastics are made of a mix of recycled and non-recycled materials, with the corresponding mass of recycled materials tracked throughout the Tetra Pak supply chain. This is verified by a third-party auditor, according to the RSB Chain of Custody Procedure, which forms part of the RSB Advanced Products certification.
4For the reported carton packages collected for recycling we use, where available, official publicly available data from renowned sources such as governmental agency, registered recovery organization, nationwide industry association, NGO etc. reported on a regular basis using a consistent approach.
5Paper-based carton packages are recyclable where adequate collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures are in place.