Paperboard Producers Unite to Address Sustainability in Food Packaging

Tetra Pak has launched a collaborative innovation model with leading paperboard producers to confront sustainability challenges within the food packaging sector. This initiative marks a shift from traditional linear supply chains to a partnership ecosystem that includes producers, suppliers, research institutions, universities, and start-ups.

The collaboration aims to tackle critical issues such as eliminating thin layers of plastic and aluminum, developing renewable alternatives to plastic straws, and enhancing package recyclability. Tetra Pak’s recent research highlights that the global food supply chain contributes to 26% of greenhouse gas emissions, with one-third of food lost or wasted, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Laurence Mott, Tetra Pak’s executive VP for development and engineering, emphasized the importance of safety and scalability in creating sustainable packaging solutions. He stated, “It’s possible to make a completely sustainable package, but you have to make it safe. And if you can’t make it at scale, you can’t minimize food waste, and you can’t serve a growing global population.”

Stora Enso’s executive vice president of packaging, Hannu Kasurinen, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of shared learning and innovation among partners. He noted, “We trust, we share, we learn together. Our best innovators collaborate, and we move forward, and we innovate.”

Malin Ljung Eiborn, head of sustainability and public affairs at BillerudKorsnäs, shared the vision of achieving 100% fiber-based and fully recyclable packaging, eliminating the need for plastic and aluminum. She acknowledged the technical challenges ahead but affirmed the commitment to collaborative problem-solving.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in the food packaging industry towards sustainability, driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.