SWITZERLAND | Tetra Pak has taken another step forward in sustainable packaging by expanding its innovative paper‑based barrier technology to high‑speed Tetra Pak A3/Speed filling lines.
Maeil Dairies became the first producer globally to implement the solution for its soy milk, aligning with a broader industry shift toward low-carbon, renewable packaging materials.
Developed to replace the aluminium-foil layer used in aseptic cartons, the new paper‑based barrier provides comparable levels of food protection and shelf life.
When combined with plant‑based polymers derived from sugarcane, the Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Slim carton used with Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 product in South Korea achieved 87 percent renewable content and delivered a 26 percent reduction in package carbon footprint, as verified by the Carbon Trust.
The Tetra Pak A3/Speed delivers high package output of up to 24,000 packages per hour with low operating costs, enabling large‑scale deployment while maintaining high food safety standards.
Moreover, existing Tetra Pak® A3/Speed lines can be easily upgraded with a high‑frequency induction‑heating sealing system, allowing producers to adopt the new packaging material without significant capital investment.
Scaling sustainable packaging solutions should go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
"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," said Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak.
The new package for Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 marked the first use of Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier in the plant-based beverages category. Maeil Dairies, a longstanding innovator in the plant‑based beverage market, sees the move as a natural continuation of its sustainability journey.
“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," said Inki Lee, Chief Operating Officer at Maeil Dairies.
"Our collaboration with Tetra Pak enables us to drive meaningful, forward‑looking change that will benefit consumers and future generations alike.”
The world’s first aseptic beverage carton, where the traditional aluminium foil layer was replaced with the innovative Tetra Pak paper-based barrier, was launched in 2023, setting a new benchmark for sustainable packaging.
