In a strategic move, Tetra Pak has recently collaborated with Absolicon, a prominent Swedish solar thermal company, to introduce a standardised solution catering to industrial equipment powered by renewable thermal energy. Absolicon's scalable solar thermal module, seamlessly integrated with existing and new UHT lines, offers a spectrum of decarbonisation options tailored to customer requirements and geographical considerations.
Tetra Pak's UHT processing line, renowned for high-temperature sterilisation of dairy products, emerges as the first solution to incorporate a scalable solar thermal supply, potentially curbing fossil fuel usage by up to 40 percent. Anticipated to kick off installations in 2024, this innovative module is poised for global scalability.
This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Tetra Pak's commitment to achieving net-zero status in Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Nicole Uvenbeck, Director of Factory Sustainable Solutions & OEM Components at Tetra Pak, highlights the synergy with their recently launched business solution, Factory Sustainable Solutions, focusing on optimising energy, water, and CIP at the factory level.
Nicole Uvenbeck said Absolicon's solar thermal solutions fit this new Tetra Pak offering and supported its wider Net Zero Roadmap.
"The collaboration with Absolicon is a positive step in this direction, providing Tetra Pak with a new and exciting avenue to support customers in reducing their energy demands through solar thermal solutions," said Uvenbeck.
Joakim Byström, CEO of Absolicon, highlighted Tetra Pak's pioneering role in implementing clean thermal supply and becoming a potential catalyst for the sector's transition from fossil fuels to renewable heat.
"We are delighted to be part of this collaboration with Tetra Pak and to launch the first equipment line powered by Absolicon solar thermal as part of our mission to reduce the world's carbon emissions," said Byström.
Tetra Pak's move is poised to significantly impact a typical food production plant, where two-thirds of energy consumption is thermal. Given that heat generation contributes to 40 percent of the world's total CO2 emissions, Absolicon's solar thermal power modules (STPM) showcase the significant potential to enhance the environmental performance of equipment compared to those heated by fossil fuel-powered boilers. The scalable and efficient design of Absolicon STPM for Tetra Pak signifies a substantial step in decarbonising the UHT process and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
