With producers and consumers alike becoming ever-more focused on climate change and the need for greater sustainability, food packaging has had to evolve to meet this growing demand. Tetra Rex has always been a pioneer in this regard, and continues to deliver – from using plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane to greater efficiency when it comes to transportation and storage, here’s how Tetra Rex delivers on the need for sustainability.
A fully renewable package
Tetra Rex is made of fully renewable material – its three layers consist of paperboard sandwiched between an internal and external layer of polymers derived from sugarcane, while the cap and neck are made of plant-based HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene).
Plant-based caps and openings
Plant-based HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene) for the cap, neck, and coating come from a non-food substance derived from sugarcane. They further lower a package’s carbon footprint1 and increase its renewable content, but have the same consumer functionality and recyclability as standard caps.
167% less CO2 compared to equivalent fossil-based cap
Plant-based plastic derived from sugarcane ethanol
Sugarcane has numerous benefits. It breaks fossil dependency and reduces climate impact, and as a crop with a high yield, less land is needed. We also don’t source sugarcane from high-value land, meaning there is no impact on food production.
Segregated plant-based PE reduces CO2 emissions per pack
A Tetra Rex package made of plant-based packaging material with a plant-based opening has a 34% lower CO2 footprint2 compared to a standard fossil-based Tetra Rex, a reduction that’s verified by the Carbon Trust.
2 Source: based on publicly available LCA from Braskem, November 2013.
Physically segregated material allows stronger claims
Using physically segregated bioplastics – physical segregation between fossil and renewable plastics production – allows you to make greater certifiable claims about your package, such as measurable plant-based content and CO2 footprint reduction.
Eligible to carry the Bonsucro and the FSC™ on-pack labels
The Bonsucro on-pack label certifies the responsible sourcing of sugarcane, while the FSC™ on-pack label certifies that the paperboard comes from well-managed forests and other controlled sources.
The Bonsucro certificate code of Tetra Pak is PBN-BSC-ChoC-012970
Tetra Pak’s FSC license code is FSC™ C014047
Grown by Braskem, in Brazil
Braskem is the only commercially viable source for fully renewable plant-based polyethylene. Their sugarcane is grown mainly on degraded pasture land, so it does not compete with food production, and the material is traceable through the entire supply chain – no palm oil or animal fat is added or used anywhere in the process.
Tetra Pak® Craft packaging material effect
This effect consists of 100% unbleached board fibres, available with plant-based polymers. The fibres are traceable throughout the supply chain.
