Did you know that the combination of the aluminium foil layer and polyethylene contained in Tetra Pak containers can be recycled and made into an amazing range of promotional products? Here's how:
As you probably know Tetra Pak cartons are used for many food and drink products, such as fruit juices, milk, fresh soups and pasta sauces. These cartons are made up of 70-90% paperboard, 10-25% polyethylene and about 5% foil. This combination of different materials has made the recycling process more difficult than with some other forms of packaging. However, despite the technical difficulties, it is possible to recycle Tetra Pak cartons and in many European countries they are successfully recycled in large volumes.
For example, in Germany a 65-70% recycling rate is achieved, while in the European Union as a whole around 30% of cartons are recycled. The process is now on the increase in the UK, assisted by the promotion of a variety of collection schemes and increased public awareness.
The first step in the recycling process is to pulp the cartons with water for around 20 minutes, in what amounts to a giant food mixer. The foil and polyethylene can then be separated from the paper fibre which is recovered to use in new paper products. Other European countries make use of the remaining materials in a variety of ways, including garden furniture and roofing materials.
Our colleagues at Lecce in Italy have now also used this material to produce the ecoAllene range of eco-friendly products. These include the chunky X-Three Eco Ballpen, card or memo holder, mobile phone holder, frisbee and a yo-yo with a printed insert for your corporate message. So next time you finish your breakfast orange juice perhaps you will think again before consigning the empty carton to the bin. Visit TetraPak Recycling to find out where and how you can recycle Tetra Pak containers.
As you probably know Tetra Pak cartons are used for many food and drink products, such as fruit juices, milk, fresh soups and pasta sauces. These cartons are made up of 70-90% paperboard, 10-25% polyethylene and about 5% foil. This combination of different materials has made the recycling process more difficult than with some other forms of packaging. However, despite the technical difficulties, it is possible to recycle Tetra Pak cartons and in many European countries they are successfully recycled in large volumes.
For example, in Germany a 65-70% recycling rate is achieved, while in the European Union as a whole around 30% of cartons are recycled. The process is now on the increase in the UK, assisted by the promotion of a variety of collection schemes and increased public awareness.
The first step in the recycling process is to pulp the cartons with water for around 20 minutes, in what amounts to a giant food mixer. The foil and polyethylene can then be separated from the paper fibre which is recovered to use in new paper products. Other European countries make use of the remaining materials in a variety of ways, including garden furniture and roofing materials.
Our colleagues at Lecce in Italy have now also used this material to produce the ecoAllene range of eco-friendly products. These include the chunky X-Three Eco Ballpen, card or memo holder, mobile phone holder, frisbee and a yo-yo with a printed insert for your corporate message. So next time you finish your breakfast orange juice perhaps you will think again before consigning the empty carton to the bin. Visit TetraPak Recycling to find out where and how you can recycle Tetra Pak containers.
If you would like to find out more about the ecoAllenne range of eco friendly promotional products or any of our other products made from recycled materials please contact the Calver sales team on 01689 898828 or why not just drop us an email.
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