Report

On Monday, Tetra Pak announced the launch of its new packaging materials in India, incorporating 5% certified recycled polymers. This makes Tetra Pak the first company in India’s food and beverage packaging industry to introduce such an initiative. The move aligns with the country’s upcoming Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022, which will take effect on April 1, 2025. These rules aim to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of recycled materials in packaging.

Certified Recycled Polymers to Reduce Environmental Impact

Tetra Pak’s new offering uses packaging materials made with 5% certified recycled polymers, meeting the standards set by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change under the new regulations. The packaging material is certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification), a globally recognized certification system that ensures that recycled polymers meet high environmental standards.

The company’s recycled polymers are sourced locally, and the production of this new packaging is carried out at their ISCC PLUS-certified facility in Chakan, Pune. Tetra Pak’s managing director for South Asia, Cassio Simões, expressed pride in being the first carton packaging producer to bring this innovative packaging material to India, highlighting the positive impact of local sourcing.

Supporting Government Efforts for Circular Economy

Simões also praised the Indian government’s proactive stance in adopting regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste. He emphasized that this step provides an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to collaborate in developing more sustainable and circular packaging solutions.

Chemical Recycling Technology for High-Quality Packaging

Tetra Pak’s recycled polymers are produced through chemical recycling technology, which allows the use of a mix of recycled and non-recycled materials to create high-quality plastics. This process tracks the mass of recycled content throughout the supply chain, ensuring compliance with global food contact regulations. The recycled plastics meet the same quality standards as virgin polymers, making them ideal for food and beverage packaging.

By incorporating recycled content into their packaging, Tetra Pak supports global efforts to increase recycling rates and make recycling economically viable. This initiative helps create a market for recycled materials, encouraging the expansion of recycling infrastructure.

Aiming for Fully Renewable or Recycled Packaging

While Tetra Pak acknowledges that the transition to widespread use of recycled and plant-based polymers is still a work in progress, the company remains committed to its goal. Simões mentioned that Tetra Pak’s ultimate aim is to make all of its packaging from renewable or recycled polymers, ultimately eliminating dependence on fossil feedstock.

This innovative move by Tetra Pak sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the food and beverage packaging industry in India, marking a significant step towards more eco-friendly and circular solutions.

Source: The Economic Times