Tetra Pak launches paper straws in Europe

Tetra Pak has announced that field testing has begun for its paper straws for beverage products in Europe, while the company increases production capacity at its straw plant in Lisbon, Portugal. Tetra Pak plans to put its paper straws into the public domain to encourage industry collaboration and will explore biodegradable materials.

Adolfo Orive, President and CEO of Tetra Pak, said, “We are pleased to have developed a paper straw that is fully functional and meets internationally recognised food safety standards. This is an important step to delivering a package made entirely from plant-based packaging materials, contributing to a low-carbon circular economy.”

Tetra Pak has not applied for patent protection, putting its innovations into the public domain. Tetra Pak encourages all suppliers and customers to share their knowledge and join forces to achieve a low-carbon circular economy.

Single paper straw.

Made from FSC certified paper and recyclable, the new paper straw will be available initially for two small-size carton packages commonly used for dairy and beverage products for children: Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Base and Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Base Crystal.​

The company has been assessing technical advancements and working with technology leaders to explore biodegradable options, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable polymer derived from plant-based materials.

Tetra Pak is also working on producing tethered caps and integrated drink-from systems. The company has commenced development and secured extra resources to advance these plans.