Tetra Pak has introduced its paper-based barrier technology to high-speed A3/Speed filling lines in Asia, making a shift from the aluminium foil used in aseptic cartons.
Maeil Dairies in South Korea is the first producer worldwide to use this new packaging for its soy milk products.
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According to Tetra Pak, the paper-based barrier offers a level of food protection and shelf life similar to standard methods.
The company added that when this barrier is combined with plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane, the Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Slim carton used for Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 achieved 87% renewable content.
The Carbon Trust has verified that this approach reduces the package’s carbon footprint by 26%.
Maeil Dairies’ chief operating officer Inki Lee said: “Maeil Dairies has pioneered the domestic low-sugar soy milk segment, establishing a leading position in the market. Introducing new packaging on our Soy Milk 99.9 line reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
“Our collaboration with Tetra Pak enables us to drive meaningful, forward-looking change that will benefit consumers and future generations alike.”
Maeil Dairies is also the first globally to use this new material on Tetra Pak’s A3/Speed filling equipment, which can fill up to 24,000 packages per hour.
Tetra Pak says existing production lines can be retrofitted with a high-frequency induction heating system, allowing companies to use the new packaging without investing heavily in new machinery.
The move represents the first use of Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier in the plant-based beverage segment.
Tetra Pak packaging solutions executive vice president Tatiana Liceti said: “By bringing our paper-based barrier to high-performing Tetra Pak A3/Speed packaging lines, we are offering beverage producers an opportunity to adopt a low-carbon packaging solution based on renewable materials while maintaining food protection and cost competitiveness.”
Last month, Tetra Pak announced plans to invest €60m ($71.2m) in a pilot facility in Lund, Sweden.
The facility will focus on developing further paper-based barrier technologies for beverage cartons, supporting the company’s efforts to replace aluminium foil layers with paper alternatives.
