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The anatomy of Tetra Pak® carton packages

Our packages have been in constant development since we started more than 70 years ago. Then, as now, paperboard is the primary material used to produce our carton packages. We use just enough to make the package stable, without adding unnecessary weight. Paperboard is made from wood fibres, a renewable resource that, if managed responsibly, grows back.

The anatomy of Tetra Pak® carton packages

Our packages have been in constant development since we started more than 70 years ago. Then, as now, paperboard is the primary material used to produce our carton packages. We use just enough to make the package stable, without adding unnecessary weight. Paperboard is made from wood fibres, a renewable resource that, if managed responsibly, grows back.

Elements of a carton package

Paperboard role, packaging material

Paperboard

On average, more than 70 percent of a Tetra Pak carton by weight is paperboard. Although we don't own or manage any forests, we apply our purchasing power to promote sustainable forest management.

More about how we work with paperboard⁠⁠
Polymer granules

Polymers

Polymers protect against outside moisture and enables the paperboard to stick to the aluminium foil. Plastic is also used to make caps, closures, and straws. In 2011 we launched the industry's first caps made from plant-based polymers while in 2020, we introduced certified recycled polymers in our carton packages, increasing the circularity of our packages.

More about how we work with polymers⁠⁠
Aluminium⁠ foil

Aluminium

On the inside of our aseptic cartons, a layer of aluminium eight times thinner than a human hair provides vital protection from oxygen and light, keeping perishable food safe without refrigeration for months. We are continually innovating to make this layer as thin as possible and working towards developing an aseptic package that uses an alternative material for its barrier layer.

More about how we work with aluminium⁠⁠

Expertise content

Be Natural Tetra Pak packages

Renewable materials

We are continuously working to increase the renewable content in our products by, for example, offering paper-based straws and sugarcane-based plastic layers and caps. At the same time, we are working to voluntary sustainability standards such as those from Forest Stewardship Council™(FSC™) and Bonsucro to ensure that our materials are sourced responsibly and sustainably.

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Hand with polymers and a package

Recycled materials

Recycling is an important part of circularity and for it to be effective, food packages need to be recyclable by design. To achieve this, we’re designing our paper-based carton packages for recycling, increasing the fibre content and reducing the amount of plastics and aluminium to make our packaging more attractive to recyclers and easier to recycle. It’s all part of our ambition to create the world’s most sustainable food package, fully made of responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable and carbon neutral.

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Towards the world’s most sustainable food package1

In 2018, we started to restructure our packaging portfolio innovation strategy around our vision of the ideal beverage carton – one made fully of responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable, and carbon-neutral. In 2019, we significantly accelerated our development efforts and increased our investment to achieve this vision, focusing on different workstreams, such as increase the share of renewable materials or using certified recycled polymers and paper in our packaging materials.

Discover more⁠
See-through carton on grass

Explore other packaging areas

Tetra Pak carton packaging

Packages

Explore a wide package range – for dairy, beverages, plant-based and beyond. We offer various sizes, shapes, and innovative solutions for aseptic, chilled, and food, including packages designed for recycling using the latest technologies.

Explore packages⁠
The openings of three cartons

Openings

Discover a variety of openings – tethered caps, paper straws, plant-based caps, all designed for consumer convenience and to meet your sustainability goals.

Explore openings⁠
Cartons on podiums

Differentiation

From unique silhouettes to impactful material effects and versatile sizes, we design packaging solutions that set your brand apart and stand out on the shelf.

Explore the possibilities⁠

1 This means creating cartons that are fully made of renewable or re cycled 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.