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Recycling of Tetra Pak Packaging
Recycling of Tetra Pak packaging – give a milk carton a second life
We all know Tetra Pak cartons – the milk and fruit juice we buy is usually sold in them. But did you know that the raw materials they contain can be recycled and offered a new life? Don’t let them end up in landfills!
Find out more about Tetra Pak recycling!
What are Tetra Pak cartons?
Before we delve into the recycling process, it is a good idea to have a look at the structure of Tetra Pak cartons. This multi-material packaging consists of layers of paper, plastic, and aluminium, thanks to which it can be used to secure long expiry dates of the products they contain.
Tetra Pac cartons are commonly used for packing juices, soups, milk products, or even ready meals. Thanks to their innovative structure, these products do not lose quality, so quite naturally the food industry willingly reaches out for them all over the world.
Why does it make sense to recycle Tetra Pak cartons?
Recycling of Tetra Pak cartons has many benefits – it is a beneficial solution in terms of ecology as well as finances. And here are some examples!
- Saving raw materials – recycling of cartons allows to save many materials, such as wood and paper, which are indispensable in the production of new packaging.
- Protecting forests – materials for the production of paper used in Tetra Pak packaging come from forests. Recycling helps to minimise logging, which is of key importance for the protection of the environment and biodiversity.
- Reducing waste – Tetra Pak cartons constitute a significant part of packaging waste. They are used in the recycling process, which consequently reduces the amount of waste reaching landfills.
- Saving energy – the recycling process of Tetra Pak cartons consumes much less energy that the production of new ones, which translates into a reduction of greenhouse gases emissions.
- Industrial development – recycling of Tetra Pak contributes to new jobs being created in the waste processing industry. This in turn supports the development of economy and local communities.
Recycling of Tetra Pak packaging – step by step Find out what recycling of Tetra Pak packaging involves!
Collecting
The first stage is collecting used Tetra Pak cartons. How can you be of help? Individual cities, towns, and communes usually operate systems of recyclable materials collection, which make returning Tetra Pak cartons easier.
Where to discard Tetra Pak packaging? All materials that Tetra Pak cartons consist of are recyclable. The cartons need to be put in yellow bins intended for plastic and metal.
Sorting
After collection, Tetra Pak cartons reach Municipal Selective Waste Collection Centres, where the sorting process takes place. By means of special machinery, workers separate Tetra Pak cartons from other recyclables, such as glass or plastic. It is a very important stage – it is decisive for the effectiveness of the whole recycling process.
Recycling
Sorted Tetra Pak cartons are ground and soaked in water. Then the cardboard they are made of is separated from other materials – the machines used for this purpose are called hydropulpers.
Decolouring
The post-recycling pulp is decolourised. This way all inks and impurities are eliminated, leaving pure cellulose pulp ready for further processing.
Recycling – continued
Next, pure cellulose pulp is used in the production of various paper items, such as kitchen rolls, tissues, or cardboard.
And what about the layers of plastic and aluminium? They are also recyclable and can be used in the production of completely new products. Thus, used Tetra Pak cartons become a raw material for the production of many useful goods, such as cardboard boxes or office supplies.
Give packaging a second life!
Recycling of Tetra Pak packaging is a pro-ecological measure that can be undertaken by each of us for the benefit of environmental protection. By putting Tetra Pak cartons in the right bin, you contribute to limiting the amount of waste ending up in landfills, save raw materials, as well as support the protection of forests.
Together we can make our future more sustainable. Recycling of Tetra Pak cartons is a small step which can bring a multitude of benefits to our environment. Get involved in the process and take care of our planet!