Tetra Pak, in collaboration with leading Italian dairy company Sterilgarda Alimenti, has unveiled the industry-first 1-litre package featuring a paper-based barrier, marking a significant milestone in the carton packaging industry’s transition towards low-carbon, renewable materials.

The 1-litre package with paper-based barrier co-developed by Tetra Pak and Italian dairy company Sterilgarda Alimenti.

The company introduces a paper-based barrier into the Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge carton package, which is one of its most popular formats with its distinctive slanted top panel. This increases the renewable content to 90% when combined with plant-based polymers.

Designed for ambient distribution, the carton supports shelf life and performance comparable to traditional aseptic packaging with an aluminium foil barrier, while reducing the carbon footprint by up to 50%, as verified by the Carbon Trust.

The paper-based barrier simplifies the carton’s material structure, reducing it from three to two main materials: paper and polymers. The increased paper content can support recycling infrastructure by improving material recovery and quality, while maintaining the strength and rigidity required to protect aseptic products throughout their lifecycle.

Commitment on developing paper-based barrier technology

This industry-first news follows another major step in Tetra Pak’s development of next-generation sustainable packaging materials: a EUR 60 million investment in a new pilot plant for paper-based barrier technology at the company’s facility in Lund, Sweden.

Tetra Pak’s aseptic beverage carton with a paper-based barrier was first launched in 2023 in a portion package format on flexible lines. The technology was later expanded to high-speed lines.

In 2024, it was recognized as a groundbreaking sustainability innovation in packaging, receiving the “Resource Efficiency” award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024.

To further enhance the environmental profile of food cartons, Tetra Pak is committed to investing approximately EUR 100 million annually through to 2030 in the development of sustainable packaging solutions. This includes the creation of packages with simplified material structures and increased renewable content.