Tetra Pak Extends FSC-Labelled Beverage Cartons to Customers in Sweden, Denmark and Belgium

The launch of FSC-labelled cartons in these three countries follows similar moves in markets such as China, France, Germany and the UK, marking another step towards Tetra Pak’s goal of having all its packages bear the FSC label.

Sep 27 2010 --- Tetra Pak announced that the company plans to offer beverage cartons bearing the label of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to customers in Sweden, Denmark and Belgium.

Tetra Pak is aiming to supply Swedish customers with about 600 million and Danish customers with 270 million FSC-labelled packages in 2010. In Belgium, starting with retailer Colruyt, the company plans to offer 700 million FSC-labelled packages. And in Italy, starting this month, the farmers’ cooperative Valfrutta, will packs its smoothies and nectars in FSC-labelled Tetra Brik Aseptic packages in a variety of sizes.

The launch of FSC-labelled cartons in these three countries follows similar moves in markets such as China, France, Germany and the UK, marking another step towards Tetra Pak’s goal of having all its packages bear the FSC label. The FSC label, today considered the highest standard for the sustainable sourcing of wood fibres, aims to assure consumers that the wood fibres in the package are traceable all the way through the supply chain and that the paperboard used in the package comes from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources.

“Our sustainability work is an important part of our business strategy and we are now stepping up the pace. By listening to the market’s wishes, we are now in a position to offer climate-smart packages where the renewable raw material is also certified in accordance with FSC. Through this initiative, we are offering our customers an opportunity to strengthen their brands,” says Jonny Olsson, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Sverige AB.

The certification programme of the Forest Stewardship Council contributes to establishing a balance between the protection and economic utilisation of forests. It undertakes consistent action against illegal logging and over-exploitation. Tetra Pak has been a member of this independent, not-for-profit organisation since 2006 and has been a promoter of FSC certification on the international stage since then.

Currently, only 5% of the global forest stocks are FSC certified, and Tetra Pak is working with its partners to support an increase in supply. Since the introduction of the world’s first FSC-labelled liquid food cartons in the UK in 2007, Tetra Pak has introduced FSC-labelled cartons in several markets around the globe, with the total number exceeding 2.3 billion in 2009.

“We are very happy that the FSC label is getting closer to the everyday lives of consumers. Tetra Pak’s involvement, both as a member of the Swedish FSC and in its use of certified raw material, is helping us take a step forwards a position where responsible forestry is visible on the breakfast table. When we allow people to make environmental choices in their everyday lives, we also increase their knowledge and commitment,” said Lina Bergström, Director of FSC Sweden.