Tetra Pak and Schoeller Allibert Launch Recycled PolyAl Crates to Transform Circular Logistics

Tetra Pak and Schoeller Allibert Launch Recycled PolyAl Crates to Transform Circular Logistics

(IN BRIEF) Tetra Pak and Schoeller Allibert have unveiled an innovative transport crate made from polyAl—a recycled material sourced from used beverage cartons—as part of their commitment to the circular economy. The new crate, developed by integrating up to 50% polyAl with other recycled materials and no virgin plastic, will be displayed at the Plastics Recycling Show in Amsterdam from 1 to 2 April 2025. After rigorous testing, Tetra Pak will replace over 50,000 traditional crates at its spare parts distribution center in Lund, Sweden. Industry leaders from both companies stressed the importance of material innovation in creating sustainable supply chains and reducing environmental impact. This project exemplifies how advanced recycling methods can transform waste into durable, cost-effective, and high-performance packaging, further supporting circular logistics.

(PRESS RELEASE) LAUSANNE, 1-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Tetra Pak and Schoeller Allibert are joining forces to drive the circular economy forward with an innovative transport crate made from polyAl, a recycled material derived from used beverage cartons. These new crates will be showcased at the Plastics Recycling Show in Amsterdam from 1 to 2 April 2025. The collaboration marks a significant step as Schoeller Allibert, a global leader in returnable transport packaging, has engineered warehouse crates and other reusable packaging by incorporating up to 50% polyAl from recycled beverage cartons along with other recycled raw materials, entirely avoiding virgin plastics.

Currently undergoing rigorous quality and durability field tests, these robust crates are expected to soon meet high industry performance standards. Following successful validation, Tetra Pak plans to gradually replace over 50,000 conventional crates at its global spare parts distribution center in Lund, Sweden. Beyond its own use, Schoeller Allibert is already engaging with additional customers interested in adopting this innovative material for their packaging needs.

Britta Wyss Bisang, VP Sustainability and Strategic MarCom at Schoeller Allibert, emphasized the importance of material innovation for creating more sustainable supply chains. She explained, “Making supply chains more sustainable is a key priority for our customers. Our investment in recycling solutions like polyAl demonstrates how waste can be transformed into durable, reusable packaging that supports circular logistics and advances the transition to a circular economy.”

Kinga Sieradzon, Vice President Sustainability Operations at Tetra Pak, highlighted the significance of managing the end-of-life phase of aseptic cartons. “We know that aseptic cartons are vital for delivering safe nutrition and food access. Our collaboration with Schoeller Allibert has resulted in a robust and competitive industrial product. We will continue to work with recyclers globally to develop commercially viable products that reduce the use of virgin plastic and drive progress towards a circular economy,” she stated.

Marie Sandin, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Sweden, added, “At our Lund site, we have been committed to integrating sustainable and recycled materials into every aspect of our operations. Our new initiative with Schoeller Allibert has allowed us to develop a cost-efficient, high-performance crate, made from roughly 200 recycled beverage cartons per unit, which shows great promise for our daily operations.”

Aseptic beverage cartons, typically composed of about 70% paperboard sourced from FSC™ certified forests, include a thin aluminium layer and additional polymer layers that preserve the food inside. In the recycling process, paper fibers are recovered, and the remaining mix of polymers and aluminium is converted into polyAl pellets, which can be used to manufacture pallets, crates, logistics packaging, and outdoor furniture.

Visitors to the Food & Beverage Carton Alliance booth at the Plastics Recycling Show in Amsterdam on 1 and 2 April 2025 will have the opportunity to learn more about this groundbreaking innovation.

Media Contact:

Olivia Tomblin
Brands2Life for Tetra Pak
Tel: +44 (0)20 7592 1200
tetrapakcorporate@brands2life.com

SOURCE: Tetra Pak