The story of food protection
A basic requirement of food packaging is to protect what’s inside. But some packaging goes further, helping food stay safe while retaining quality for longer.
Watch the film to find out how cartons protect food safety and quality.
The story of food protection
A basic requirement of food packaging is to protect what’s inside. But some packaging goes further, helping food stay safe while retaining quality for longer.
Watch the film to find out how cartons protect food safety and quality.
Protecting perishable foods
Cartons play a crucial role in resilient food systems by preserving the safety and quality of perishable foods and beverages, such as milk, juices and plant-based drinks. They protect food during transportation and storage for up to 12 months without the need for preservatives or refrigeration.
Layer-by-layer protection
Cartons are designed with a multi-layer protective structure, with each layer contributing to the safety, quality, and durability of the product inside.
An average Tetra Pak® carton consists of approximately 70% paperboard, 25% plastic, and 5% aluminium, providing protection against factors such as light, oxygen, and moisture. Replacing the aluminium foil layer with a paper-based barrier increases the paper content to around 80%. And, when combined with plant-based polymers, the total renewable content reaches 90%, reducing the carbon footprint by one-third compared to the standard equivalent1.
This multi-layered design helps preserve colour, texture, and taste while preventing harmful microorganisms from entering and contaminating the food inside.
Opportunity starts
with access to food
As the world population grows and supply chains face increasing challenges, finding reliable ways to safely package, transport, and store food is essential to feeding communities everywhere.
In many developing regions, foodborne illnesses are a significant risk due to limited refrigeration and storage options. Aseptic cartons offer a practical solution to keeping food safe during transport and storage, even in high temperatures. In times of crisis, they enable food aid to be delivered to affected areas safely and efficiently, addressing food security in vulnerable populations.
Less food waste with
extended shelf life
Aseptic cartons allow food to be stored for up to 12 months without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. Without this type of packaging, perishables would require cold storage, and could spoil within days due to a shorter shelf-life. By protecting contents from oxygen, light and moisture, which are common causes of food spoilage, cartons enable more food to be consumed rather than wasted.
1Tetra Pak. (2025). Paper-based barrier. Source: https://www.tetrapak.com/solutions/packaging/packaging-material/paper-based-barrier.
*Wohner, B., & Tacker, M. (2020, December). Supporting evidence: Environmental performance of beverage cartons. University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna.