Tetra Pak Gets Closer to Fully Renewable Packaging Goal with New Aseptic Carton

December 6, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Tetra Pak announces the launch of a new version of Tetra Brik® Aseptic 1000 Edge Bio-based LightCap™ 30. This is the first aseptic carton package in the world to receive the highest class of Vinçotte certification for its use of renewable materials.

The new package is manufactured using a bio-based plastic film and cap, made from polymers derived from sugar cane. Combined with the paperboard, this lifts the share of materials from renewable sources in the package to above 80%, the threshold for four-star certification from Vinçotte, the Belgium-based accreditation agency that is world-recognised for assessing the renewable content of packaging products.

The new package also boasts up to 17% lower carbon footprint than a standard package, according to an independent lifecycle analysis conducted by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

“Increasing the use of renewable materials, defined as natural resources that can be replenished over time, plays an increasingly important role in mitigating resource scarcity and climate change,” said Petra Michiels, Contract Manager, Vinçotte.

“This is the only aseptic carton package we have certified so far. It has qualified for the highest class, thanks to Tetra Pak's conscientious commitment. We hope that this will inspire more companies to apply the same rigorous standard in improving the environmental performance of their products.”

Charles Brand, Executive Vice President, Product Management and Commercial Operations at Tetra Pak said: “There is a growing trend that consumers want to do more for the planet, and they want brand owners to help. With the authentic certification from Vinçotte, our new package gives customers credible information to communicate with consumers, and helps them differentiate their products.

“Our ultimate goal is to produce all of our packages using only sustainably-managed renewable materials. Launching the new Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge Bio-based LightCap 30 package is a significant milestone for us on that journey.”

The new version of Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge Bio-based LightCap 30 package is available to customers globally. Switching to the new version requires no additional capital equipment investment.