Tetra Pak becomes the first cardboard packaging company for paper straws in Europe. Made from FSC-certified and recyclable paper, the new paper pallet will initially be available for single-size cardboard packaging in limited volumes. The company also announced that it is evaluating technical advances to explore biodegradable options, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
It has also announced that its customers have started trials with its paper straws for beverage cartons in Europe. This means that Tetra Pak is the first packaging company to provide this type of straw to its customers in the region.
The company explained in a statement its intention to publish and share its innovations in the development of paper straws to support industrial collaboration, offering alternatives to single-use plastic straws.
Adolfo Orive, president and CEO of Tetra Pak, said “We are pleased to have developed a paper straw that is fully functional and meets internationally recognized food safety standards. This is an important step in our vision to achieve packaging made entirely from plant-based materials, contributing to a low-carbon circular economy."
"We have decided not to patent the numerous technical improvements we have made in the equipment and materials so that they are available to the whole industry and we achieve the common goal of launching a low-carbon circular economy. Our common goal is for the supply of paper straws to expand and grow rapidly. We invite all suppliers and customers to use our knowledge as they join us to increase production as quickly as possible”. Add Orive.
Made from FSC-certified and recyclable paper, like the rest of the packaging the new paper straw will initially be available for single-size cartons commonly used for dairy products and children's drinks: Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 base and Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 glass base. The initial format chosen will be that of the straight straw. The range of packaging and different forms of straws will gradually increase as the project progresses.
Market tests for paper straws have already begun, with limited volumes at the same time the company is working to increase production capacity at its straw plant in Lisbon, Portugal.
The company has also announced that it has been evaluating technical advances and working with several technology leaders to explore other biodegradable options, such as (PHA), a polymer that is also derived from plant-based materials.
Other Tetra Pak sustainable packaging development projects include caps attached to the packaging and integrated systems for drinking directly from the packaging. The company has mobilized development teams securing additional resources to advance these priority plans.
