Tetra Pak has launched its 25th Sustainability Report, detailing significant progress in its 2023 sustainability efforts. A major highlight of the report is a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain since 2019, demonstrating Tetra Pak’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
A standout innovation is the world-first aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier, with 90 per cent renewable content. Tetra Pak says this development is a crucial step in its efforts to enhance circularity and reduce dependence on fossil-based materials.
In Australia, Tetra Pak supported the establishment of saveBOARD, the first food and beverage carton recycling facility in Warragamba, New South Wales. This facility processed over 335 tonnes of used beverage cartons in 2023 and has the capacity to handle up to 4000 tonnes annually.
Additionally, Tetra Pak facilitated the installation of an AI robot at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Melbourne, Victoria, to improve the sorting of used food and beverage cartons.
Collaborating with End Food Waste Australia, Tetra Pak is evaluating how innovative processing, packaging, and service solutions can contribute to reducing food waste, emissions, and resource use. The findings will be presented at the National Food Waste Summit in Melbourne on 24-25 July.
Globally, Tetra Pak has achieved a 47 per cent reduction in operational GHG emissions since 2019. The company invests around €40 million annually to enhance the collection and recycling of carton packages worldwide. In 2023, 1.3 million tonnes of carton packages were collected and sent for recycling, marking a seven per cent increase from the previous year.
On the social sustainability front, Tetra Pak’s School Feeding Programmes helped 64 million children in 49 countries access milk and other nutritious beverages. The company has been recognised in the CDP Forests ‘A List’ for the eighth consecutive year and received an ‘A-’ rating in Water Security.
Boris Munster, managing director at Tetra Pak Oceania, emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. While celebrating these achievements, he acknowledged that more work lies ahead to ensure a sustainable future.
The report, prepared using the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), anticipates the upcoming mandatory reporting requirements under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
For detailed insights into Tetra Pak’s sustainability initiatives and achievements, click here.
