Driven by regulatory shifts and rising consumer demand for sustainability, Tetra Pak is piloting an industry-first paper-based cap — marking a new milestone in its journey to create “the world’s most sustainable food package.”
“We’re on a journey to deliver the world’s most sustainable food package,” said Aldo Fontana, Global Product Manager at Tetra Pak. “That means a carton fully made from renewable or recycled materials, responsibly sourced to reduce environmental impact.”
The pilot test, in partnership with Spanish food brand Aneto, places the paper-based cap on family-sized cartons of vegetable broth, offering real-world data on performance and consumer reception. “This is not just a packaging tweak – it’s a vertical innovation,” noted Pietro Martini, Manager of Solutions Scouting & Early Innovation.
The move builds on previous innovations, including plant-based polymers and a paper-based barrier replacing aluminium foil. With the new cap, paper content in the package reaches 73% by weight, increasing total renewable material share to 87%.
“Consumers see cartons as the most environmentally sound beverage packaging,” Fontana added. “This cap supports our goal of maximising paper content while maintaining functionality.”
Aneto CEO Joaquim Jiménez Santamaria said the collaboration reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. “We want to lead in sustainability while giving our customers the best possible experience,” he said.
Tetra Pak’s engineering team continues to test the cap’s resilience and recyclability, aiming for performance on par with traditional plastic alternatives. As Martini emphasized, “It has to be easy to open, resealable, and durable.”
With over 16 billion capped cartons sold annually in the EU, even small changes could have a major environmental impact — pointing to a future where fibre-based closures become the industry standard.