The packaging giant has launched its biannual sustainability update entitled Mission Possible (26 July).
Tetra Pak has set itself ambitious targets to double the global recycling rate of its cartons from 20% in 2010 to 40% by 2020.
It said: “Our experience in China proves it can be done, even in markets lacking legislation; national recycling rates for our cartons leapt from zero in 2002 to nearly 13% in 2010”.
‘Investing in technologies’
The firm said that it will promote recycling in several ways. This includes “investing in technologies that boost the economic return and working with partners to raise consumer awareness and set up collection”.
According to Tetra Pak, for reasons of food safety and package stiffness, its cartons are made from virgin paperboard.
After use, that paperboard can be recycled into paper products like packaging and tissue paper, and the plastic and aluminium lining can be recovered to make composite products like roof tiles, or converted into paraffinic oils.
‘Improve operational performance’
Introducing the company’s past achievements and future goals, Tetra Pak chief executive Dennis Jansson said “we will step up our efforts to improve operational performance and reduce our environmental footprint right along the value chain”.
Jonsson added that the firm could not step up its efforts alone and needed help. He explained: “To drive positive change along the value chain, we must continue to build on our strong partnerships with customers, suppliers, governments and non-governmental organisations.
“With these relationships in place, I’m confident that we can achieve our business growth ambitions in a way that fully reflects our promise: to protect what’s good, both inside and outside the carton.”
Customers
Elsewhere, Tetra Pak has also committed to encourage its customers to use packaging from sustainable sources.
It has also said that it will develop packaging material based on 100% renewable materials and increase the supply of FSC-certified paper board used in its products to 100%, with an interim target to achieve 50% in 2012.
