25 May 2022

Tetra Pak test fibre-based barrier to replace aluminium layer

New material substitutes aluminium layer in effort towards fully renewable aseptic package.

© Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock

Tetra Pak is testing a fibre-based barrier that its says is a first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions. 

The company is now testing a new fibre-based barrier, in close collaboration with some of its customers. A first pilot batch of single-serve packs featuring the material are currently on shelf for a commercial consumer test, with further technology validation scheduled later in 2022. 

A commercial technology validation was conducted in Japan starting late 2020, using a polymer-based barrier to replace the aluminium layer. It confirmed adequate oxygen protection for vegetable juice, while enabling increased recycling rates in a country where recyclers favour aluminium-free cartons.

Eva Gustavsson, Vice President Materials & Package at Tetra Pak explains, 'Addressing complex issues such as climate change and circularity requires transformational innovation. This is why we collaborate not just with our customers and suppliers, but also with an ecosystem of start-ups, universities and tech companies, providing us access to cutting edge competences, technologies and manufacturing facilities.'