Dairy Processing - March/April 2023 - 43

PACKAGING
state's recycling rates. After the campaign ran for a year, the
result was an increase in both consumer perceptions about
recycling and actual recycling rates, Carroll said.
Clover Sonoma, Petaluma, Calif., made the decision to use
post-consumer recycled materials in its packaging because
of the campaign, and the company's gallon milk jugs now
contain 30% post-consumer recycled material. The company
also launched a biodegradable paperboard milk carton.
There was such a gap between
perception and reality with
consumers and their behavior. "
Bob Carroll, California Milk Advisory Board
Overall, more post-consumer recycled materials will
become available if more milk jugs are recycled, thus driving
down the cost of materials and making its widespread use
more accessible.
" One of our goals in increasing recycling is to bring in
more materials that make it possible and available for others
to do it, " Carroll said.
While many might be quick to say that using plastics in
packaging is problematic, Carroll said this isn't necessarily
the case.
" There is a lot of backlash around plastics in general, and
part of the story and truth we want to tell is when the right
plastics that are actually recyclable are used in packaging, they
can be reused in other food-grade packaging again and truly
create that circular economy for packaging, " Carroll said.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Creating a circular economy goes beyond the packaging and
starts at the source of the materials for Tetra Pak, said Jason
Pelz, vice president of sustainability. He said this involves
ensuring the materials the company uses are sourced as much
as possible from renewable sources.
For aluminum or polymers that aren't plant-based, the
company has standards for how these materials are captured.
There also are standards to ensure raw material is being
converted into product responsibly, and the company ensures
its plants are environmentally friendly and energy efficient,
Pelz said.
" We work with our customers to make sure they have
efficient equipment, and we have efficient equipment, " Pelz
said. " It's part of our DNA. It's what we do. We will continue to
drive until we have a more sustainable package. "
Tetra Pak's aseptic cartons reduce food waste and
promote low-carbon logistics by eliminating the need for
refrigeration and allowing the product to have a long shelf
life. The packages are shipped out in roll form, allowing more
empty packages to fit on a truck, thus reducing the number of
trucks on the road.
One of the biggest challenges in developing more
recyclable packaging is replacing non-renewable materials
like aluminum, Pelz said. Aluminum plays a key role in
functionality from sealing to keeping oxygen and light out,
and these essential functions of food safety can be challenging
to replace.
In terms of future innovation, Pelz said Tetra Pak is
looking to reduce the number of materials in its packages,
and it is exploring other ways to increase recyclability. Tetra
Pak is eyeing partnerships with other companies, from paper
mills to polymer producers, as shared ideas will be essential
in advancing innovation, Pelz said.
TC Transcontinental Packaging uses a 10-step process to
ensure its packaging products are produced responsibly and
promote a circular economy, said Tim Kieny, vice president
DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | MAR-APR 2023 43
Tetra Pak
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
Dairy Processing - March/April 2023

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