Plant-based packaging solutions
Solving our global dilemma by reducing reliance on fossil-based resources has always been important to us, and will continue to shape and inform our future. Tetra Pak was founded on the idea that "A package should save more than it costs." – Ruben Rausing, founder of Tetra Pak.
Watch the video to find out more.
Plant-based packaging solutions
Solving our global dilemma by reducing reliance on fossil-based resources has always been important to us, and will continue to shape and inform our future. Tetra Pak was founded on the idea that "A package should save more than it costs." – Ruben Rausing, founder of Tetra Pak.
Watch the video to find out more.
Planting the future
We are constantly working to increase the renewable content in our products, offering innovations such as paper-based straws and sugarcane-based plastic layers and caps for example. Paperboard made from wood fibres and plastic made from sugarcane come from plant-based, renewable materials rather than fossil-based or finite resources. Renewable content is material that comes from renewable sources, such as wood or sugarcane, that grow back and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they do so – using such renewable raw materials allows us to reduce the package’s carbon footprint.
And to ensure that our materials are sourced responsibly and sustainably, we are working to voluntary sustainability standards such as those from the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™),2 certifying that our paperboard comes from forests managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management, and Bonsucro, certifying the responsible sourcing of renewable polymers, fully traceable to their sugarcane origin.
What does carbon neutral mean, and how does it work?
Carbon neutral means that, after measuring and reducing the CO2 emissions associated with the lifecycle of plant-based packaging solutions, we purchase carbon credits matching that packaging’s residual carbon emissions. These credits then fund Gold Standard-certified climate projects worldwide.
A low carbon footprint
Reducing the carbon impact of packaging manufacturing and the use of raw materials, both in our own and our suppliers’ operations, is crucial. Following the principle Avoid, Reduce, then Offset, our plant-based packaging already delivers increased renewable content and reduced CO2 emissions – for example, a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge LightCap™ 30 using plant-based polymers in cap and coating has a 36%3 lower carbon footprint compared to a standard package. Our collaboration with the Carbon Trust™ means our Carton CO2 Calculator model is certified as capable of generating cradle-to-grave carbon footprints in compliance with international standards, and our calculation model is certified for calculating the cradle-to-grave climate impact to support on-pack CO2 reduction claims for packaging made with plant-based polymers.
Carbon neutral certified packaging
Now, we are taking one step further by going beyond reducing CO2 emissions and offering our customers a carbon neutral-certified package. In order to certify our plant-based packaging solutions as carbon neutral, their carbon emissions across the entire value chain need to be measured. Once their carbon emissions have been ascertained, and with measures being constantly taken to reduce them, the remaining CO2 emissions from their lifecycle are measured and offset with the purchase of carefully selected carbon credits from projects fulfilling the Gold Standard criteria. Working in close collaboration with the Carbon Trust™ further demonstrates our commitment to climate impact reduction and supports projects to mitigate climate change outside our value chain.
Let’s go further, together
The Carbon Trust™ carbon neutral packaging certification represents another step in demonstrating our efforts to address climate change in light of the ultimate goal of driving down carbon emissions throughout our operations, products, and value chain. For our customers, it allows them to make credible, on-pack claims supported by third-party certification schemes, and provide transparent information to consumers
Our ultimate goal remains, but for now, let’s go further together.
The Carbon Trust™ has certified the carbon footprint of Tetra Pak’s packages using plant-based polymers in coatings and openings and, upon consideration of our carbon management plan, has certified these packages as being carbon neutral in compliance with the internationally recognised PAS 2060 standard. Our qualifying explanatory statement (QES) includes a statement of our commitment and our certificate of achievement.
The QES for our carbon neutral-certified packages is available here
1This means creating cartons that are fully made of responsibly sourced, renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable and carbon-neutral.
2The FSC licence code for Tetra Pak is FSC™ C01404.
3Carbon Trust-verified Tetra Pak ‘Carton CO2 Calculator’ model version 10 (valid from 2024-01-01). Scope: cradle-to-grave measurement of a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge with Plant-based LightCap™ 30 (and plant-based polymers in coating) compared to a standard Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge LightCap™ 30 package. Geography: Tetra Pak global average data. View the full carbon footprint report here.