
Tetra Pack boxes are a popular choice for packaging beverages and other liquids due to their lightweight and compact design.
Tetra Pack boxes are made from a combination of paperboard and plastic, which provides a unique balance of strength and flexibility.
This sustainable packaging solution is also highly recyclable, with many Tetra Pack boxes being made from 70-80% recycled materials.
The use of Tetra Pack boxes has been shown to reduce packaging waste by up to 90% compared to traditional glass bottles.
Sustainability in Packaging
Tetra Pak solutions have made it possible for many products to be stored without refrigeration or preservatives, protecting their nutritional value, flavor, texture, and color.
Studies show that 53% of consumers are more likely to consider a brand with excellent environmental credentials, a 10% increase from 2017.
The company undertakes a materiality assessment every two years to keep up with changing sustainability priorities and focus on areas that deliver the greatest positive impact.

Tetra Pak takes active responsibility for everything it does, working to ensure the well-being of future generations through dedication, expertise, and collaborations.
With Tetra Top, you can opt for 94% renewable content, reducing CO2 emissions by 37% compared to a standard equivalent package.
Certified recycled polymers can further reduce your dependency on virgin fossil-based materials, making Tetra Top an even more sustainable choice.
Tetra Rex cartons are designed to be fully made of renewable or recycled materials, responsibly sourced to protect the planet's climate, resources, and biodiversity.
These cartons contribute to carbon-neutral production and distribution, making them a convenient and safe option for a resilient food system.
Tetra-Pak cartons are fully recyclable, and there are two general types accepted for recycling: gable top cartons for milk and juice, and aseptic cartons for shelf-stable products.
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Types of Cartons
There are two main types of cartons that are accepted for recycling.
Make sure to rinse and empty them before recycling.
Gable top cartons are used for refrigerated products like milk and juice. They're a common sight in many households.
Aseptic cartons, also known as Tetra-Pak cartons, are foil-lined and shelf-stable, making them perfect for products like broth and coconut water.
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Top Carton Packages

Tetra Top cartons are a unique and innovative premium package that combines the functionality of a bottle with the sustainability benefits of carton. They're perfect for premium products that require a high-end look and feel.
Gable-top cartons, found in Tetra Top and Tetra Brik cartons, feature peaked roofs and need to stay refrigerated. This means they're best suited for products that require cold storage.
Tetra Brik cartons offer great functionality and optimal pouring in an efficient shape, making them a convenient choice for chilled products. They're a popular option for many manufacturers.
Tetra Rex cartons are fully made of renewable or recycled materials, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers. They're also fully recyclable, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Aseptic cartons, found in Tetra Rex cartons, usually have a rectangular top and don't require refrigeration until they've been opened. This makes them ideal for products that need to be stored at room temperature.
Brik Carton

The Tetra Brik carton is a game-changer in packaging technology. It's available in four formats: Base, Mid, Slim, and Ultra Edge.
Tetra Brik cartons are incredibly versatile, with volumes ranging from 200 ml portion packs to 900 ml family packs. This makes them perfect for on-the-go consumption or at-home use.
One of the standout features of Tetra Brik cartons is their ability to stack neatly on pallets, in transport containers, on supermarket shelves, and in the fridge at home. This makes them a logistical dream.
Tetra Brik cartons are available in five volumes, catering to different consumer needs. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink on the go or stocking up for a family gathering, there's a Tetra Brik carton to suit your needs.
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Recognizing Cartons
Tetra Pak cartons are smooth and glossy with a shiny metallic lining on their inside.
To identify a Tetra Pak carton, look for the shiny metallic lining and a rectangular shape with folded-down sides.

Some cartons may have the Tetra Pak logo on the bottom side of the item.
Aseptic Tetra Pak cartons, used for products like broth and soy milk, are foil-lined and shelf-stable until opened.
Gable top cartons, used for milk and juice, are refrigerated and have a different design than aseptic cartons.
These types of cartons are accepted for recycling, but they need to be empty and rinsed before being recycled.
By recognizing the different types of cartons, you can better understand how to recycle them and help reduce waste.
Tetra Pak cartons are designed to be convenient and safe, but they also need to be handled responsibly to minimize their environmental impact.
Carton Design and Functionality
Tetra Pak cartons are available in different designs, including the Tetra Top and Tetra Brik.
Tetra Top cartons are unique and innovative, combining the functionality of a bottle with the sustainability benefits of a carton.
A Tetra Pak carton is smooth and glossy with a shiny metallic lining on its inside.

These cartons are shelf stable until opened and usually rectangular with sides that are folded down.
The Tetra Pak logo can be found on the bottom side of the item for some cartons.
There are two types of liquid cartons: aseptic and gable-top.
Aseptic cartons usually have a rectangular top and don’t require refrigeration until they have been opened.
Gable-top cartons feature peaked roofs and need to stay refrigerated.
Tetra Brik carton packages are smart and convenient, giving consumers great functionality and optimal pouring in an efficient shape.
Circular Economy and Cartons
Tetra Pak's production guidelines are based on a circular model, starting with plant-based materials and producing carbon-neutral carton packages.
The company prioritizes raw materials and sourcing, using fully renewable or recyclable materials sourced responsibly. This ensures that the cartons are made from sustainable resources.
Tetra Pak's cartons are fully recyclable, with a supporting collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure in place to keep materials in use. This closed-loop system helps reduce waste and supports a circular economy.

The company's priorities also include production and distribution, aiming for carbon-neutral production with minimal environmental impact. This is achieved through sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.
Tetra Pak's cartons have two general types: gable top and aseptic (Tetra-Pak). Both types are accepted for recycling, but must be empty and rinsed before recycling.
Using renewable materials is a key aspect of Tetra Pak's circular economy principles. The company offers cartons made from materials like kraft paper, rice paper, and multilayer LDPE packaging with an eco-friendly PLA lining.
The Tetra Top carton package is a unique and innovative premium package that combines the functionality of a bottle with the sustainability benefits of a carton.
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Innovative Carton Solutions
Tetra Top carton packages are a unique blend of bottle functionality and carton sustainability. They're perfect for premium products.
Tetra Rex carton packages have become an iconic design in modern packaging. They're convenient and versatile, suitable for a wide range of chilled products and occasions.
Tetra-Pak cartons are a great option for recycling. There are two types: gable top cartons used for milk and juice, and aseptic cartons used for shelf-stable products like broth and soy milk.
Rex Packages
Tetra Rex carton packages are an iconic design leading the way in modern, convenient packaging for chilled products and every at-home occasion.
Their design continues to evolve, making them suitable for a wide range of chilled products.
This iconic design continues to lead the way in modern, convenient packaging for an endless variety of chilled products and every at-home occasion.
The Tetra Rex carton packages are fully made of renewable or recycled materials, which is a significant step towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The production of Tetra Rex carton packages has a carbon footprint of 0.34 kg CO2e per package, which is a notable reduction in emissions.
This means creating cartons that are responsibly sourced, helping to protect and restore our planet's climate, resources, and biodiversity.
Tetra Rex carton packages are convenient and safe, enabling a resilient food system.
Their end-of-life is fully recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice for consumers.

The Tetra Pak's internal tool, CO2e Product Model version 6, provides a comprehensive analysis of the production process, highlighting areas for improvement and optimization.
This tool has been instrumental in reducing the carbon footprint of Tetra Rex carton packages, making them a more sustainable option.
By using renewable or recycled materials, Tetra Rex carton packages contribute towards carbon-neutral production and distribution.
Their recyclable nature ensures that they can be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing waste.
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Smart Package
The Tetra Brik carton package is a smart and convenient option for chilled products. It's available in four formats: Base, Mid, Slim, and Ultra Edge.
Tetra Brik packages span a wide range of volumes, from 200 ml portion packs to 900 ml family packs. This flexibility makes it suitable for various applications.
Its rectangular shape allows for efficient stacking on pallets, in transport containers, on supermarket shelves, and in the fridge at home. This practical design makes it a popular choice for many consumers.
Tetra Brik is one of the world's most efficient carriers of beverages. This is due in part to its compact and space-saving design.
By choosing Tetra Brik cartons, you can provide your consumers with great functionality and optimal pouring in an efficient shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Tetra Paks be recycled?
Tetra Paks are difficult to recycle due to their mixed materials, requiring proper separation for recycling. Not all recycling facilities can process Tetra Paks, making them a challenging item to recycle.
What are the 6 layers of Tetra Pak?
The 6 layers of Tetra Pak are: polyethylene, Kraft paper, polyethylene, aluminum, LDPE, and polyethylene. These layers work together to provide a waterproof, durable, and oxygen-resistant package for food and beverages.
What are Tetra Pak cartons?
Tetra Pak cartons are made using aseptic packaging technology, where the product and package are sterilized separately before being sealed together in a sterile atmosphere. This unique process ensures the cartons remain sterile and safe for consumption
Sources
- https://mtpak.coffee/2023/01/is-tetra-pak-recyclable-carton-packaging/
- https://www.tetrapak.com/en-us/solutions/packaging/packages/chilled-packages/tetra-brik
- https://naparecycling.com/guide/tetra-pak-cartons/
- https://packagingeurope.com/news/nissha-and-tetra-pak-develop-aseptic-milk-carton-with-paper-based-barrier/12436.article
- https://www.tetrapak.com/en-us/solutions/packaging/packages/chilled-packages/tetra-top
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