Tetra Pak is investing Euro 60 million to construct a new pilot plant in Lund, Sweden, dedicated to advancing its paper-based barrier technology. The facility, slated to begin production in the Q1 2027, will accelerate the development of an aseptic carton where a paper-based barrier replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer. This innovation is part of the company's strategy, as stated by Tetra Pak Vice President of Materials & Package Joakim Tuvesson.
The new material structure increases the paper content in beverage cartons to approximately 80% and, when combined with plant-based polymers, raises the renewable content to up to 92%. The company states this redesign can reduce the package's carbon footprint by up to 43% and simplifies recycling by using two main materials – paper and polymers – instead of three. The Lund location was chosen for its proximity to research partners like Lund University and the MAX IV Laboratory.
