Tetra Pak to make first all plant-based carton

Swiss packaging heavyweight Tetra Pak has launched what is said to be an industry first carton made solely from plant-based, renewable packaging materials. The new Tetra Rex package, developed in partnership with Braskem, one of the world’s top biopolymer producers, will be commercially available in early 2015.

According to the packaging company, what sets Tetra Rex apart from other cartons is that it is the first to be made from density polyethylene (LDPE) films and bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) caps, both derived from sugar cane, in addition to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paperboard.​

Commenting on the new product launch is Charles Brand, vp of marketing and product management, Tetra Pak, who said that environment excellence is one of the company’s strategic priorities and a driver of its product development activities. He adds that together with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, it’s leading the industry towards 100% renewable packaging. Also that they are increasing the renewable content of its packages not only good for the environment, but also offers its customers a competitive advantage in the overall environmental profile of their products.

For existing customers that are currently using the standard 1-L Tetra Rex with TwistCap OSO 34, the company claims they can easily cross over to the new version with any additional investment or modification to their exiting filling machines.

Earlier this year, Packaging Digest reported on Tetra Pak’s industry’s first bio-based cap.