Tetra Pak's blockbuster! The world's first paper-based barrier juice pack is here, cutting carbon footprint by a whopping 43%!
Tetra Pak, the global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, recently partnered with the well-known Spanish beverage manufacturer García Carrión to jointly launch the world's first paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging. This groundbreaking innovation is not only aimed at completely transforming the juice packaging market but also highlights Tetra Pak's strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Core Innovation:
High renewable content, significantly reduced carbon footprint
Tetra Pak's innovative solution has been applied to the new 200ml Tetra Brik Aseptic Slim Leaf carton and is already available in several markets.
The central highlight of this new packaging is its exceptional environmental performance: up to 80% paper content. When combined with plant-based polymers, the renewable material content is as high as 92%. By replacing traditional aluminum foil layers with renewable materials, Tetra Pak's paper-based barrier technology has successfully reduced its reliance on fossil-based materials, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
According to the Carbon Trust's certification, the packaging solution has a 43% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional aseptic packaging using aluminum foil layers. At the same time, the new design effectively isolates oxygen, light, moisture and bacteria, improving the sustainability of packaging while ensuring food safety and shelf life comparable to traditional packaging.
Additionally, the packaging features a recyclable design that allows for easy collection and sorting in areas of existing recycling infrastructure, promising improved recycling efficiency and maximizing recycled paper composition.
Tatiana Lisetti, Executive Vice President of Tetra Pak Packaging Solutions, said: "This launch marks a significant step in our journey towards fully renewable and recyclable packaging. By working closely with our customers, we are demonstrating that sustainable innovation can be applied at scale across markets and categories, while ensuring that packaging maintains its functionality and quality. "
For partner García Carrión, this technology is a key part of its 360° sustainability strategy. Don José García Carrión, President of García Carrión, said: "We are proud to be leading the way in sustainable packaging in the juice category. For more than 135 years, García Carrión has been committed to responsible innovation and respect for the environment. This progress helps us achieve our mission to reduce our environmental impact while providing consumers with high-quality products. "
García Carrión's 360° sustainability strategy, for its excellence in sustainability and circular economy, has been awarded the 2024 "Factory of the Future" award. The launch of the new packaging undoubtedly further strengthens its leading position in sustainable development.
Tetra Pak strengthens its presence in the emerging food sector:
Strategic acquisition Bioreactors.net
While continuing to promote sustainable innovation in traditional packaging, Tetra Pak is also actively expanding its technology footprint in the emerging food sector.
Tetra Pak recently announced that it has strategically acquired a Latvian company Bioreactors.net. Founded in 1996, the company has nearly three decades of experience in the design and manufacture of bioreactor systems, focusing on providing cutting-edge biomass and precision fermentation solutions for the emerging food industry, with bioreactors capable of producing a wide range of proteins and other products.
Tetra Pak noted that this strategic acquisition will significantly enhance the company's processing technology, bioreactor equipment and design portfolio in the emerging food sector, allowing it to provide more advanced production systems for precision fermentation and biomass fermentation-derived foods and ingredients. Upon completion of the acquisition, Bioreactors.net approximately 15 employees will join the Tetra Pak team.
Rafael Barros, Director of New Food Business at Tetra Pak, said: "The addition of Bioreactors.net complements our existing upstream and downstream processing portfolio and enhances our fermentation capabilities. Together, we will fully promote its bioreactor solutions under the Tetra Pak brand to provide advanced food production systems. This acquisition will enable us to accelerate the development of next-generation bioreactors that enable emerging innovators and established producers to achieve sustainable scale production. "
Janis Misins-Jubbers, Head of Bioreactors.net Production, also commented: "Joining Tetra Pak is an important milestone for us. Our decades of expertise in bioreactors, combined with Tetra Pak's existing product portfolio, global footprint and resources, will accelerate the delivery of world-class fermentation solutions to customers around the world. "