EUROPE: Tetra Pak rolls out renewable, plant-based carton | Progresiv

Tetra Pak has revealed plans for a global rollout of its Tetra Rex bio-based packaging, the world’s first renewable carton made entirely from plant-based materials. The announcement follows a successful trial of the carton with Finnish dairy producer Valio, which trialled the product on its Eila lactose-free semi-skimmed milk drink in outlets across Finland.

Now, the packaging manufacturer has announced that “the package will soon be deployed by more customers in Europe, and the company is already having discussions about launching it with dairy companies in other parts of the world”.

Available in a range of sizes from 250ml to 2000ml, the Tetra Rex bio-based cartons feature a laminate film made from low density polyethylene and a cap made from high density polyethylene, which are all derived from sugar cane. The Brazil-made plastics, like the Forest Stewardship Council-certified paperboard, are traceable to their origins.

Tetra Pak executive vice president of product management and commercial operations Charles Brand said: “After all of the hard work and significant investment that has gone into bringing this package to market, it is hugely rewarding to get such a positive response from both Valio and their consumers.

“Tetra Rex bio-based offers customers a fully renewable package made from materials that can be traced back to their plant-based source. It’s good for the environment, and it’s excellent for communicating with consumers… the product they actually hold in their hands is derived entirely from plants. [It’s] the pack that grows back.” (www.foodbev.com)