Victorians can now return their used Tetra Pak beverage cartons to be recycled and receive a 10c refund, following the launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme on 1 November.
Tetra Pak says it welcomes the introduction of the scheme, which is set to improve recycling outcomes, reduce waste and empower Victorians to contribute towards Australia’s circular economy.
Boris Munster, managing director of Tetra Pak Oceania, said, “As the packaging partner behind some of Australia’s most loved beverage brands, we are thrilled by the commencement of this important scheme for the community here in Victoria.”
Tetra Pak says that it believes incentivising consumers to return most flavoured milk, water, alternative milk, and juice cartons, will see an increase in local supplies of post-consumer recycled materials. These materials represent a valuable commodity which can be put to good use in the creation of new packaging, products and building materials.
Beverage cartons returned via Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will be accepted and processed at saveBOARD, a local recycling facility, which turns recycled cartons into low-carbon construction materials. saveBOARD’s first Australian site officially opened in February this year and has the capacity to process up to 4,000 tonnes of materials annually. Since full commissioning, it says that more than 365 tonnes of beverage cartons have been recycled to date.
Regarding Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme potential value to saveBOARD, Munster said, “The scheme will play an important role in providing a consistent and reliable source of beverage cartons for the saveBOARD recycling facilities. Ultimately this will lead to better environmental outcomes across Victoria. Cartons are already a beverage packaging choice with one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market. We’re pleased that more of our beverage cartons will now be recycled and contribute positively toward the circular economy.”
Tetra Pak says it remains committed to enhancing recycling practices and reducing the environmental impact of its packaging materials. To further enhance the impact of the scheme, Tetra Pak is asking state and territory governments throughout Australia to consider the inclusion of all cartons, irrespective of their size or contents to achieve high recycling rates and to ease consumer confusion.
