This means that in places like Vietnam, where the resources required to properly recycle Tetra Paks are limited, the cartons end up generating a tremendous amount of pollution.īillions of Tetra Pak cartons are sold every year in Vietnam, but without the proper way of disposing them, they end up becoming a huge environmental calamity. In 2018, the company’s global recycling rate was just 26%. What could be considered even more problematic, however, is the fact that sometimes they don’t get recycled at all. Tetra Pak may have a lower carbon footprint than other types of packaging, but it’s clear that their end-of-use recycling is problematic. The combination of the other materials, now called “polyaluminum,” can only be downcycled into single-use items like pens or car floor mats, which are now just one stage away from ending up in landfills. Only then can the paper be recycled into writing paper, tissues, or green building materials. When it is possible, the cartons can be recycled in just one U.S.-based facility or they have to travel thousands of miles (by fossil fuel-requiring truck, no less) to a Mexican facility to process them. This requires a tremendous amount of special equipment and inputs like water and energy, and for most of us in the United States, carton recycling isn’t even possible (it’s only available to 73 million U.S. The paper fibers need to be washed out before the aluminum and polyethylene can be separately recycled. When it comes to Tetra Paks, however, the combination of the different materials makes recycling much more complex. If these materials were on their own, say as a cardboard box or aluminum can, recycling wouldn’t be much of an issue as we’ve got the machines and sorters to work through these different materials. Most of the shelf-stable aseptic cartons are composed of several different layers of polyethylene, paperboard, and aluminum. Unfortunately for our local recycling centers (and our planet), the materials that make the cartons aseptic make recycling much easier said than done. Many of us are quick to see that, toss our OJ container into the recycling bin, and go on with our day. The recycling symbol that we know and love can be found there on the carton, somewhere on the box or near the folds. When it comes to Tetra Pak, however, things get a little more complicated. That simple triangular symbol on the back of the bottle, can, or box normally gives us assurance that we’re doing our part to save our planet. When it comes to deciding whether an item is recyclable or not, many of us turn to the recycling symbols found on the package in question. The reason is that it is made up of multiple layers of polyethylene, paperboard, and aluminum that – when combined – make the material more difficult to recycle. It completely depends on your city or local recycling center’s program and rules. Tetra Pak is often – but not always – recyclable. Sounds great, right? Well…perhaps not when you consider what goes into making these cardboard-like containers so great at keeping out these threats. To remind us all, “aseptic” means to be free of harmful microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria. The boxes are light and they look aesthetically-pleasing, which has made them a big hit for many brands. You’re likely most familiar with their aseptic cardboard box, which is commonly found storing things like shelf-stable milk, broth, soup, wine, water, and fruit juice. One reason for their near ubiquitousness on our supermarket shelves is because they’ve innovatively created packaging shapes, designs, lid styles, and functions that meet the needs of most of our favorite food brands. The Swedish company’s products have made their way to more than 160 countries, which has allowed them to amass a whopping $13.5 billion in annual sales. Tetra Pak is a big name in the world of food packaging. This article will take a look at Tetra Pak in both regards, while also answering those all-consuming questions of when and how it can be recycled. Unless you’re a food packaging buff, Tetra Pak is likely an unfamiliar company or just a name behind one of the most complicated recycling questions of our time. Tetra Pak, the name behind these types of cartons, has been confusing consumers for years-and it may mean that your non-dairy milk alternative isn’t as sustainable as you once thought it was. But then you get to the end of the almond milk and are faced with a big question: is Tetra Pak recyclable? You’re conscious about your carbon footprint, which is why you might have opted for a breakfast with almond milk instead of cow’s milk.
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