Tetra Pak’s Report: Circularity, Climate and Food Security
Tetra Pak’s latest Sustainability Report reveals strong progress towards net zero while advancing innovation in global food systems and packaging sustainability.
The packaging company has published its 26th annual Sustainability Report, highlighting significant milestones across climate action, food security and circular packaging.
The company reports deep cuts in GHG emissions alongside major investments in packaging innovation and food system resilience — highlighting its mission to deliver safe food everywhere, while minimising environmental impact.
Climate and emissions impact
The report states that the company achieved a 54% reduction in GHG emissions from its own operations and a 25% cut across its full value chain compared to its 2019 baseline.
This is credited to increased use of resource-efficient equipment, whole-factory optimisation technologies and packaging solutions with a lower carbon footprint.
Tetra Pak now sources 94% of electricity for its operations from renewable sources and is on track to reach net zero emissions in its own operations by 2030, with ambitions to hit net zero across its value chain by 2050.
The company has also used 11 billion plant-based packages and delivered 12.3 billion plant-based caps, resulting in 47 kilotonnes of CO₂ saved compared to the amount of CO₂ which would have been emitted if using fossil based polymers.
"By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 10 billion, driving a 60% surge in food demand,” says Adolfo Orive, President and CEO of Tetra Pak.
“Yet, while food systems are vital to sustaining modern life, they also account for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“This growing tension between the need for increased food production and reduced environmental impact presents a critical challenge – one that Tetra Pak is committed to addressing."
Adolfo noted that the company is "driving more secure and sustainable food systems, while mitigating climate impacts and improving livelihoods".
Innovation and circular solutions
Tetra Pak continues to lead on circular economy progress.
In 2024, it helped recycle more than 1.3 million tonnes of used beverage cartons globally, raising the recycling rate to 28%.
It also invested €42m (US$48m) to expand infrastructure, working with 215 carton recyclers worldwide.
The company increased its use of certified recycled polymers by 42% year on year, introduced tethered caps and advanced the development of paper-based barriers to replace aluminium in packaging — boosting recyclability without compromising food safety.
Tetra Pak’s R&D investment reached €100m (US$114m) in 2024, supporting its ambition to develop the “world’s most sustainable food package”.
Equipment innovation
In food and beverage processing, Tetra Pak’s Tubular Heat Exchanger with Q corrugation technology reduced pressure drop by 40%, allowing energy savings of up to 40% in pump electricity use.
Additionally, its Industrial Protein Mixer cuts product loss from foaming by 44,400kg per year, saving customers around €100,000 (US$114,000) annually.
In China, the company helped Mengniu Dairy build the world’s first fully intelligent dairy factory, resulting in:
- 43% energy reduction
- 32% drop in operational costs
- 60% quality improvement
This collaboration further proves that technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
Enhancing food security
Tetra Pak’s impact extends far beyond emissions.
In 2024, the company delivered 178 billion packages, enabling extended shelf life without refrigeration and reducing food waste.
Tetra Pak also provided 66 million children in 49 countries with milk or nutritious drinks via school feeding programmes, emphasising the need for collaboration and community.
The company supported more than 84,000 smallholder dairy farmers through 29 Dairy Hubs, improving income security and building stable milk supply chains.
Between 2021 and 2024, Tetra Pak scaled its school milk programme in Iraq from 7,000 to 750,000 children.
Restoring nature
Tetra Pak launched its “Approach to Nature” framework with 20 measurable targets aimed at halting and reversing nature loss and enhancing ecosystem and water security.
The company, to date, is responsible for restoring 1,564 hectares of land under restoration since 2022, 1,292 of which were added in 2024.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate biodiversity preservation into its business model.
Tetra Pak has also reduced its water usage by 17% versus its 2019 baseline, showing water efficiency is also part of the company's morals.
The company also:
- Engaged 150 suppliers via its “Join Us in Protecting the Planet” initiative
- Earned a CDP A score for Climate and A- for Forests and Water Security
- Ranked in the top 1% of its industry in EcoVadis sustainability assessments.
Tetra Pak’s roadmap targets a 46% reduction in full value chain emissions by 2030, compared to 2019.
With continuous innovation and global partnerships, the company is building the foundations for climate-resilient, circular and inclusive food systems.
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