Tetra Pak launches paper-based barrier packaging on high-speed lines in Asia

Tetra Pak is expanding its paper-based barrier technology to its high-speed A3/Speed filling lines into Asia, with South Korean F&B company Maeil Dairies implementing the solution for its soy milk. 

Maeil Dairies is the first producer globally to implement packaging material with the new paper-based barrier on a Tetra Pak A3/Speed filling machine, demonstrating that the technology is now fully compatible with high-speed industrial production. 

Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president for Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak says: “Scaling sustainable packaging solutions should go hand in hand with operational efficiency. By bringing our paper-based barrier to high-performing Tetra Pak A3/Speed packaging lines, we are offering beverage producers an opportunity to adopt low-carbon packaging solutions based on renewable materials while maintaining food protection and cost competitiveness.” 

Low-carbon packaging

The new package for Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 marks the first use of Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier in the plant-based beverages category. 

The food processing and packaging giant says the move reflects a broader shift across the F&B industry, with producers transitioning to low-carbon, renewable packaging materials. 

Tetra Pak A3/Speed delivers high package outputs of up to 24,000 packages per hour.The paper-based barrier was developed to replace the aluminum foil layer used in aseptic cartons and reportedly maintains comparable levels of food protection and shelf life. 

When combined with plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane, the Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Slim carton used with Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 product in South Korea achieved 87% renewable content and delivered a 26% reduction in package carbon footprint, as verified by the Carbon Trust, according to Tetra Pak.

High package output 

Tetra Pak A3/Speed delivers high package outputs of up to 24,000 packages per hour with low operational costs, enabling large scale deployment while keeping high food safety standards. 

Furthermore, existing Tetra Pak A3/Speed lines can be easily upgraded with a high-frequency induction heating sealing system, allowing producers to adopt the new packaging material without significant capital investment, notes the company.

Inki Lee, chief operating officer at Maeil Dairies, comments: “Maeil Dairies has pioneered the domestic low sugar soy milk segment, establishing a leading position in the market. Introducing new packaging on our Soy Milk 99.9 line reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.” 

“Our collaboration with Tetra Pak enables us to drive meaningful, forward-looking change that will benefit consumers and future generations.” 

Last month, Tetra Pak invested €60 million (US$71 million) in a new pilot plant in Lund, Sweden, to advance its aseptic beverage cartons.