According to industry insiders, this represents a groundbreaking development for the beverage carton sector.
The material in question has received ISCC PLUS certification as derived from the recycling of used beverage cartons collected in Spain. It is allocated to the packaging using a mass balance attribution method, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Lactalis is leading an innovative initiative by packaging its Puleva dairy range, which includes calcium skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole, and lactose-free milk, in Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Slim cartons equipped with the HeliCap 23 Pro closure. This move underscores the company’s commitment to food and drink sustainability and sustainable packaging solutions.
The recycled polymers utilized comprise a blend of recycled materials and virgin fossil feedstock. Tetra Pak confirms that this combination guarantees the sourcing and tracking of the corresponding volume of recycled material throughout the supply chain, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
This process is validated by a third-party auditor in line with the ISCC Chain of Custody Procedure, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the claims surrounding these sustainable packaging innovations.
Tetra Pak is poised to invest €100 million annually over the next five to ten years to expand its efforts in food and drink packaging sustainability. In parallel, Lactalis has prioritized responsible packaging and the circular economy, alongside animal welfare initiatives across their partner farms, aiming for complete decarbonization of their operations by 2050.
Joël Llovera, purchasing director at Lactalis Iberia, stated: “Our collaboration with Tetra Pak is rooted in a shared vision and commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations, facilitated by circular economy principles. Packaging innovation plays a crucial role in this endeavour. 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, emphasized: “To scale up the adoption of certified recycled polymers in food packaging, we need collective action across the entire system and enabling legislation. Scientists, policymakers, recyclers, industry players, and others must work together to turn challenges into opportunities, as shown by our world-first introduction with Lactalis.”
