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Tetra Pak has launched the world’s first paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging.

In collaboration with Spanish beverage producer García Carrión, this innovative solution is set to transform the juice market while reinforcing commitments to environmental sustainability.

The newly developed Tetra Brik Aseptic 200ml Slim Leaf carton, now rolling out across various markets, is constructed with up to 80% paper, achieving an impressive 92% renewable content when combined with plant-based polymers.

Verified by the Carbon Trust, this packaging solution boasts a 43% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional aseptic packs that use aluminium foil layers and fossil-based polymers.

Don José García Carrión, president of García Carrión, said: “We are proud to lead the way in sustainable packaging for the juice category. For more than 135 years, García Carrión has been committed to responsible innovation and respect for the environment."

He continued "This development supports our mission to reduce environmental impact while offering high-quality products to our consumers”.

This launch is a key component of García Carrión's 360° Sustainability Strategy, which was acknowledged with the Factories of the Future Award 2024 for Excellence in Sustainability and Circular Economy.

The new packaging not only enhances sustainability but also ensures food safety and shelf life, maintaining the high standards expected by consumers.

Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president of packaging solutions at Tetra Pak, added: “This launch represents a significant step in our journey towards fully renewable and recyclable packaging".

"By working closely with our customers, we’re proving that sustainable innovation can scale across markets and categories, while ensuring packaging retains its functionality and quality.”

Tetra Pak's paper-based barrier technology replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer with a renewable alternative, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and promoting a shift away from fossil-based materials.

The new design protects against oxygen, light, moisture and bacteria, ensuring that food safety is uncompromised and shelf life remains comparable to conventional packaging.

The packaging is designed for recyclability, allowing for collection and sorting where recycling infrastructure exists. This advancement is expected to improve the efficiency of recycling processes, maximising the recovery of paper content while maintaining high-quality fibre and non-fibre fractions.