Tetra Pak aims to launch a paper straw that is suitable for its portion-sized carton packages before the end of the year, as part of a broader program aimed at addressing the issue of plastic straw waste.
Straws on portion packs are an integral part of the packaging system, but they are also a part of the plastics waste problem if not disposed of properly. The company has been working to encourage consumers to push straws “back in the pack” once empty, so they can be collected along with the rest of the package. Now, it is working to develop a paper straw that has the strength and safety properties needed to be used on portion size carton packages.
“It sounds simple enough, but there are a number of challenges to producing a paper straw with the required properties,” explains Charles Brand executive VP, product management and commercial operations. “That said, our development team is confident they can find a solution, and that we’ll be able to offer a paper alternative before the end of the year.”
“Our cartons are already, on average, about 75 percent paperboard, so paper straws are something we know makes sense. By the new year we are confident we will have a solution.”
