Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier material innovation has seen the company bag the Resource Efficiency Award during the prestigious Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024.

The awards recognise the most innovative advancements in sustainable packaging over the past year.

The paper-based barrier, carton packaging industry’s first, when combined with plant-based polymers, cuts the carbon footprint of aseptic food packaging by up to one-third, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and performance.

The carbon reduction achievement has been verified by the Carbon Trust.

Amid calls for low carbon renewable materials global food systems, the packaging industry is seeking alternatives to the aluminium foil layer, which represents a brilliant source of food protection against oxygen and light.

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By replacing this layer with a paper-based barrier, the paperboard in Tetra Pak’s cartons is increased - from an average of 70 per cent paper content - to approximately 80 per cent, reducing the carbon footprint of the package.

Tetra Pak says when the paper-based barrier is combined with plant-based polymers, the total share of renewable content of an aseptic carton is increased up to 90 per cent.

“We are honoured to accept this award from Sustainable Packaging News for our paper-based barrier material innovation,” said Tetra Pak Vice President Packaging Materials, Sales and Distribution Solutions Marco Marchetti.

The Swedish multinational food packaging and processing company says the award is testament of its pledge to customer-driven innovation by harnessing the power of paper to realise renewability, recyclability, and carbon reduction while safeguarding food safety.

“We are proud to collaborate with customers, suppliers, and partners on our journey to transform food systems for a low-carbon future,” said the Switzerland-headquartered firm.

It added: “Together, we are paving the way for a new era of sustainable packaging that protects both food and the planet."