Tetra Pak and Lactalis have launched a groundbreaking carton package that utilizes certified recycled polymers sourced from used beverage cartons. The companies assert that this innovative product marks a “significant milestone” in the food and beverage packaging industry, paving the way for a circular economy.
This new material has received ISCC PLUS certification as it originates from the recycling of used beverage cartons in Spain. Employing a mass balance attribution method, the package incorporates a blend of certified recycled polymers derived from a combination of recycled and non-recycled, virgin fossil feedstock. This approach ensures that the recycled material is sourced and tracked throughout the supply chain, with verification provided by a third-party auditor, in compliance with ISCC Chain of Custody Procedure. Importantly, the chemical recycling process maintains the package’s quality, food safety, and other essential attributes, underscoring the circular potential of cartons.
By keeping valuable resources in circulation, this advancement diminishes the industry’s reliance on virgin, fossil-based materials. This initiative aligns with the sustainability goals of both companies, as Tetra Pak commits to investing €100 million annually over the next five to ten years. Meanwhile, Lactalis has prioritized responsible packaging and the circular economy, in addition to enhancing animal welfare across its partner farms and striving for decarbonization by 2050.
Joël Llovera, purchasing director of Lactalis Iberia, highlights that the collaboration with Tetra Pak is founded on a mutual vision and dedication to environmental stewardship for future generations, guided by the principles of a circular economy.
“Packaging innovation plays a crucial role in this endeavour,” he observes. “We are dedicated to sustainable progress. Transitioning from fossil-based polymers to recycled ones, certified by ISCC PLUS as linked to used beverage cartons, represents a significant stride towards our objective.”
Marco Marchetti, vice president of packaging materials, sales and distribution solutions at Tetra Pak, emphasizes that enhancing the use of renewable and recycled resources in food packaging is vital for the industry to assist food and beverage producers in achieving material circularity. This approach effectively transforms waste into new resources and reduces dependence on virgin, fossil-based materials.
“To scale up the adoption of certified recycled polymers in food packaging, we need collective action across the entire system and enabling legislation,” he urges. “Scientists, policymakers, recyclers, industry players, and others must collaborate to convert challenges into opportunities, as exemplified by our world-first introduction with Lactalis.”
This initiative from Lactalis focuses on packaging its Puleva dairy range offered in Spain, which includes calcium skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole, and lactose-free milk, in Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Slim cartons featuring the HeliCap 23 Pro closure.
Following this market introduction under the Puleva brand, Lactalis intends to gradually broaden its range of dairy products utilizing certified recycled polymers. This effort aligns with consumer expectations worldwide, as they increasingly seek sustainable commitments from brands and adapt their purchasing behaviors accordingly. Research by Tetra Pak indicates that 78% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of plastic waste, with 29% reporting an increase in purchases of products packaged in recycled materials over the past year.
