Tetra Pak and Lactalis They present a packaging Tetra Brik® Aseptic which uses certified recycled polymers linked to used beverage cartons.
This material has been certified by ISCC PLUS as coming from the process of Recycling used beverage cartons in Spain and is assigned to the packaging using a mass balance attribution method. This means that certified recycled polymers are composed of a mix of virgin, recycled and non-recycled fossil feedstock, ensuring that the corresponding volume of recycled material is sourced and traced throughout the entire supply chain. This is verified by a third-party auditor, in accordance with the ISCC Chain of Custody Procedure. The chemical recycling process ensures that certified recycled polymers do not compromise packaging quality, food safety or any other attributes, further demonstrating the circularity potential of beverage carton packaging materials.
This innovative initiative by Lactalis consists of packaging its range of dairy products jump sold in Spain -which includes skimmed milk with calcium, semi-skimmed, whole and lactose-free milk- in packages Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Slim with HeliCap™ 23 Pro closureFollowing the market launch under the Puleva brand, Lactalis intends to gradually expand its range of dairy products in packaging using certified recycled polymers.
The breakthrough keeps quality resources in circulation and reduces the industry’s reliance on fossil-based virgin materials, which aligns with both companies’ aims to further improve the environmental profile of packaging. Tetra Pak plans to invest €100 million per year over the next five to ten years to achieve this, while Lactalis has made responsible packaging and the circular economy one of its global environmental priorities, alongside animal welfare on its partner farms and the decarbonisation of all its activities by 2050.
Joël Llovera, Purchasing Director of Lactalis Iberia, says: “Our collaboration with Tetra Pak is based on a shared vision and a commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations, facilitated by the principles of the circular economy. Packaging innovation plays a crucial role in this effort. We are committed to sustainable progress. The transition from fossil-based polymers to recycled polymers, certified by ISCC PLUS as linked to used beverage containers, represents a significant step towards our goal.”
Marco Marchetti, Vice President Packaging Materials, Sales and Distribution Solutions, at Tetra Pak, adds: “Increasing the use of renewable and recycled resources in packaging is critical if we are to help food and beverage producers achieve material circularity, by transforming waste into new resources and reducing reliance on fossil-based virgin materials. To scale up the uptake of certified recycled polymers in food packaging, we need system-wide collective action and enabling legislation. Scientists, policy makers, recyclers, industry players and other stakeholders must work together to turn challenges into opportunities, as demonstrated by our world-first introduction with Lactalis.”
