Dive Brief:
- Tetra Pak has unveiled its latest development in sustainable aseptic packaging, a new version of the Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge with Bio-based LightCap 30, according to a news release Tuesday.
- This is the world's first aseptic carton package "to receive the highest class of Vinçotte certification" thanks to the renewable materials it employs, including "a bio-based plastic film and cap made from polymers derived from sugar cane," according to the news release.
- The new aseptic packaging development also offers up to a 17% reduction in carbon footprint compared to a standard package, per an independent analysis by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
Dive Insight:
This latest development is a milestone in Tetra Pak's journey to achieve production of all packages using only sustainably-managed renewable materials, Charles Brand, Tetra Pak's EVP of product management and commercial operations, said in a statement. It's a bold goal, but earning an internationally recognized certification for safety and sustainability demonstrates that Tetra Pak is progressing in the right direction.
This type of packaging can extend shelf life for certain products while maintaining food safety, and it saves companies money by negating the need for delivery using refrigerated trucks.Tetra Pak's aseptic packaging developments serve to benefit manufacturers and retailers that use this type of packaging, particularly for shelf stable dairy products or products with particulates, such as soups or fruit cups.
Tetra Pak also announced in its press release that switching to this new version would not require manufacturers to invest in new equipment. This could encourage more manufacturers to adopt this new type of packaging, even if the packaging itself comes at a higher cost.