Tetra Pak Uses Bio-Based Plastic for Carton Packaging in Brazil

29 Apr 2014 --- In an industry first, Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has announced that all of the packages it produces in Brazil are now using bio-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

Combined with paperboard, the use of bio-based LDPE made from sugar cane increases the content of materials from renewable sources to as much as 82% in a Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000ml Base package.

In February Coca-Cola Brazil became the first company to use the new packages for its Del Valle juice beverages, previously sold in regular cartons. Following that success, the pilot is now being extended to include all 150 customers that source from Tetra Pak Brazil -- a total of more than 13 billion packs every year.

“We are particularly proud to be the first in the industry to use bio-based LDPE in carton packages”, said Charles Brand, Vice President Marketing & Product Management at Tetra Pak. “We believe that the best way to protect the sustainable future of the packaging industry and meet the global challenge of a growing scarcity of fossil-fuel based raw materials is to further increase the use of renewable resources. We have set an ambition to develop a 100% renewable package, building from an average of 70% today. This launch is an important step in that direction.”

Produced by Braskem, one of the world’s leading biopolymers producers, bio-based LDPE used in Tetra Pak cartons has the same physical and chemical properties as the traditional fossil-fuel derived polyethylene. No modification of the machine is needed for customers to switch to the new packaging materials. Tetra Pak has initially prioritised the Brazilian market but intends to expand the offer to more markets in future.