Takeaways

• Tetra Pak has announced a €60m sustainable packaging investment to advance paper-based barrier technology and reduce reliance on aluminium in aseptic cartons.
• The innovation could lower the carbon footprint of packaging by up to 43% while improving recyclability and increasing renewable material content.
• The new facility in Lund will help scale low-carbon packaging solutions globally, supporting industry transition to more sustainable materials.

Tetra Pak has announced a €60m investment aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable packaging solutions through its innovative paper-based barrier technology. The funding will support a new facility in Lund, Sweden, designed to help beverage producers integrate low-carbon packaging materials into their existing production lines.

The new plant will enable companies to adopt packaging that replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer used in aseptic beverage cartons. According to Tetra Pak, this shift could reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by as much as 43%, marking a significant step toward more climate-friendly food packaging.

Paper-Based Barrier Technology Gains Momentum

The new facility will focus on scaling a packaging structure that simplifies material composition. Instead of using three layers, i.e., paper, polymer, and aluminium, the updated design relies mainly on paper and polymers. This approach increases the paper content of cartons to approximately 80%.

When combined with plant-based polymers, the total renewable and traceable content of the packaging can reach up to 92%. This higher share of renewable materials helps lower emissions while maintaining product safety and shelf life. The technology also improves recycling outcomes by enabling greater recovery of paper fibres, which results in more usable material after processing.

Tetra Pak selected Lund as the location for the pilot facility due to its strong research ecosystem and collaboration opportunities with Lund University and the MAX IV Laboratory, both known for advanced material innovation and testing capabilities.

Read More: Packaging Sustainability at a Crossroads: Setback or Shift?

Industry Adoption Already Underway

The company has already tested its paper-based barrier packaging through partnerships with global food producers. In 2023, Portuguese dairy company Lactogal launched the first aseptic beverage carton using the technology, marking an important milestone in renewable packaging.

The innovation has also expanded into Asia. In 2026, Maeil Dairies became the first company to use the paper-based barrier solution on high-speed Tetra Pak A3 production lines for soya beverages. These early applications demonstrate that the technology can deliver both sustainability and operational efficiency.

Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President of Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak, said that scaling sustainable packaging requires balancing environmental impact with production performance. She noted that the company aims to offer beverage producers low-carbon alternatives without compromising cost competitiveness or food protection.

Sustainability Investment Signals Long-Term Strategy

The latest investment forms part of Tetra Pak’s broader commitment to invest approximately €100m annually in sustainable packaging innovation through 2030. The company aims to help brands meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements for environmentally responsible packaging.

Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that companies integrating sustainability into packaging can unlock financial value while strengthening brand trust. As regulations become more stringent and demand for eco-friendly products increases, investments in renewable packaging materials are becoming a strategic priority across the food and beverage sector.

Also Read: Graphic Packaging ESG Report: Progress on All Pillars

Joakim Tuvesson, Vice President Materials and Package at Tetra Pak, said the expanded facility will make the paper-based barrier technology more accessible to customers worldwide. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, supporting broader adoption of recyclable and renewable packaging solutions.

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Source: SustainabilityMAGAZINE