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Home Sustainability Focus areas Circularity & recycling

The challenge of circularity & recycling

Food packaging plays an essential role in feeding people throughout the world, but when it is not collected and recycled, it can be a source of waste1. And with global waste projected to increase by 70% by 20502 according to World Bank, recycling alone is not enough. The world needs to move away from the traditional linear economy, based on a “take-make-waste” model, towards a circular economy3.

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Accelerating recycling with investment

We are continually improving the circularity of our packages through investments and collaborations to increase recycling capacity and strengthen the recycling infrastructure for our cartons. Our paper-based carton packages are already recyclable where adequate collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures are in place, at scale. But it is not the same story everywhere, as packages in many countries don’t get collected for recycling. In places where collection infrastructure is still being built up, we are co-investing with recyclers in new equipment and facilities to increase recycling capacity. We aim to continuously increase the collection, sorting and recycling of carton packages, and achieving this requires decisive action and collaboration along the full recycling value chain.

Read more about our co-investments⁠
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Renewable & responsible materials

In a circular economy, renewable materials are crucial because they reduce the demand on limited resources and the environmental impacts of resource extraction. By using renewable materials in our packages from responsibly managed sources, such as from Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) certified forests and other controlled sources, we can help contribute to the circular economy.  The FSC™ licence code for Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047.​​​

To further enhance the environmental performance of our packaging portfolio, we are investing up to €100 million over the next 5-10 years in packaging material innovation, including reducing the use of plastics and aluminium and increasing the fibre-content

recycling cartons

Recycled products from cartons

Carton collection, sorting and recycling systems are in place at scale, meaning that you may see recycled packages as again as a paper towel, crate or pallet. An average Tetra Pak carton is made of paperboard, plastic and aluminium to protect its contents - and is recyclable where adequate collection, sorting and recycling systems are in place at scale. You may see one of our beverage cartons again someday.

Read more about recycled products from cartons⁠
Tetra Pak packaging

Design for recycling

Design for recycling means integrating collection, sorting and recycling considerations from the start when designing the package. Our paper-based carton packages are designed with exactly this recycling purpose in mind. By increasing the fibre content and reducing the plastics and aluminium, our packaging becomes more attractive to recyclers and easier to recycle.

Read more about recycling paper-based cartons⁠
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Designing out food waste

We apply circular design principles in both our packaging design as well as our food processing and filling equipment. By innovating in such equipment, we can help reduce food waste, energy and water consumption, as well as enable the reuse and recycling of food processing equipment to extend its lifespan.

Read more about designing out food waste⁠
Tetra Pak is Committed to Carton Recycling

Yes, Tetra Pak® cartons are recyclable!

We always think about the broader impact of our operations on the environment and society, and we believe recycling is an investment in our future. When recycled beverage cartons are given a new life, we help protect natural resources, reduce climate impact and contribute to communities.

Learn More⁠

Our focus areas

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Food safety & quality

Food safety & quality

Aseptic packaging and technology, quality management systems and product traceability all contribute to making food and nutrition safe. See how we play a part.

Learn more about food safety & quality⁠
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Climate & decarbonisation

Climate & decarbonisation

We are committed to reaching climate challanges and net-zero GHG emissions in our own operations by 2030, and we work with customers to reduce their footprint.

Learn more about climate and decarbonisation⁠
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Food loss & waste

Food loss & waste

See our efforts to prevent food waste and loss through innovative packaging and processing. Learn about our role in processing technology, aseptic packaging.

Learn more about food loss & waste⁠
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Biodiversity & nature

Biodiversity & nature

Discover how we champion biodiversity and sustainability to combat species extinction, deforestation, and emissions. Join our journey protecting biodiversity.

Learn more about biodiversity & nature⁠
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Food access & availability

Food access & availability

We need to find a way to decrease our environmental impact while increasing our food production so that less of it gets wasted.

Learn more about food access and availability⁠
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Social sustainability

Social sustainability

Learn how our approach supports workers and communities, aligning with our promise to protect food. Global value chains depend on our people.

Learn more about social sustainability⁠

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1Marsh, J. (2021). Food Packaging Waste Statistics: Understanding the Rise of Food Packaging Waste. Source: Environment.com

2The World Bank. (2018). WHAT A WASTE 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050.Source: Worldbank.org

3Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2022). Circular Economy Introduction. Source: Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, What is a circular economy? | Ellen MacArthur Foundation