Carton packaging, the future-forward way to feeding the world sustainably

On World Earth Day, Tetra Pak brings to light paper-based packaging alternatives

As the world commemorates Earth Day, leading food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak, calls attention to sustainable solutions that can play an important role in solving the world’s sustainability challenges and puts the spotlight on paper-based carton packages that are already enabling greater access to safe food for people everywhere.

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By 2050, demand for food is expected to soar as the global population is expected to grow by more than 25% according to the 2020 World Data Sheet. However, one of the greatest challenges of today is that the systems and processes involved in feeding the world account for more than one third of global greenhouse gas emissions per data from several policy-focused research centers including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

In the Philippines, major food and beverage manufacturers have collaborated with Tetra Pak as they move toward more sustainable ways of delivering their products to end consumers. John Jose, Marketing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia said that “In 2022, in the Philippines, over 330 million litres of food and beverages packed in Tetra Pak cartons​ reached Filipino consumers. This is a welcome trend that could fuel the development of a circular economy in the country and contribute to solving the country’s perennial solid waste management problems.”

As Tetra Pak believes that carton packages are one of the best ways to feed the future sustainably, it continues to embark on developing “the world’s most sustainable food package”, solely made from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials. One of its innovative packaging solutions is Tetra Recart. Viewed as the new home of food, Tetra Recart is an innovative future-proof packaging solution for shelf-stable foods as it is a safe, practical, and convenient packaging that also features size-flexible lines for low factory footprint, space efficiency and in store waste.

In terms of environmental impact, Tetra Recart is a more sustainable choice than can and glass packaging. From manufacturing to distribution to waste management, Tetra Recart uses only about 40% of the energy and over the lifetime of the package, carbon emissions from Tetra Recart are 81% lower than cans and glass.

Moreover, 69% of this carton packaging comes from a renewable responsibly managed resource – trees. Tetra Recart carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label. Lastly, its lightweight and rectangular shape allows for efficient transporting as six to ten times emptier Tetra Recart can be loaded in a single truck compared to cans. The fewer trucks on the road, the better.

As such consumers, producers, and retailers can reimagine food that are traditionally canned or in glass jars, now in an alternative packaging that’s more sustainable and efficient to move, store, and use. Think ready to cook or eat vegetables like tomatoes and beans, snackable fruits, on-the-go-meals, soups, sauces, even pet food. With this creative innovation, opportunities are plenty.

“We continue to innovate for the future of food, aware that there are many challenges that we need to address. Whether it’s food or beverage, we make no compromises in ensuring safety and quality even as they are transported from place to place to bring their nourishing benefits accessible to many. The impact on people, businesses, and of course the planet are equally important.” John Jose concluded.

Tetra Pak believes that innovating better alternatives to how food and beverages are packaged and delivered across the world is key in maintaining the balance between keeping the world nourished and minimizing impact on the environment.