Can I recycle Tetra Pak or beverage cartons near me? Check out these sites to discover

Tetra pak, take-out coffee cups, milk carton, beverage carton, frozen food box, pizza boxes are multilayered packaging. They are everywhere, everyday in our life. They look like paper cartons but they are composed of multiple layers of different materials,  mostly plastic and aluminum, bonded together. Each layer serves a specific purpose.

Multilayered packaging including Tetra Pak, beverage cartons, take-out coffee cups and food containers.

Multilayered packaging is a complicate structure that it can maintain product quality and safety during storage and transportation. So it is commonly used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Why multiple layers?

A typical multilayered packaging has barrier layer, structural layer, printing layer and adhesive layers Together they can provide strength to packaging and block the air and moisture from penetrating into the packaging.

Printing layer gives the nice look for marketing, often coating with plastic layer to become water-proof.

What are the layers made of?

Layer can be made from a variety of materials, each chosen for its specific properties and functionalities. The common materials used in multilayered packaging are plastic and aluminum. Plastics are HDPE(#3), PP(#5), PLA(#7) and a thermoplastic called Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH). Aluminum is also commonly used as the barrier layer in multilayered packaging.

Shelf-stable beverage carton and refrigerated cartons

There are two types of beverage cartons. Shelf-stable and refrigerated cartons. You can imagine that a shelf stable carton is more prone to bacteria contamination so they need more tough layers like aluminum to block the air and moisture outside. 

A typical shelf-stable beverage carton has 6 layers, including aluminum, Polyethylene, paper board

Image Attribution to Wikipedia *

Yet a refrigerated carton, usually used for milk and juice, has an expiration date, so it has fewer layers, usually paper board and two plastic layers. One for preventing the paper board from getting soaked, the other is for protecting the printing from outside moisture. 

Refrigerated beverage carton has 3 layers. One paper board and two plastic. 

 

Are they recyclable?

Theoretically yes, but it’s not so common. Hydra pulping is still the process used in the recycling of materials like paper, cardboard, and also multilayered packaging . The product of recycling cartons is usually paper. In reality, the access to recycle multilayered packages is limited. 

If you live in UK, check out the websites to know if you have access to carton recycling in your area:
www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk

If you are in the US, check out :
www.recyclecartons.com

Otherwise, find a specialist recycler like TerraCycle:
www.terracycle.com

Recycling multilayered packaging is generally challenging due to the difficulty in separating the different layers. While recycling multilayered packaging poses challenges, ongoing research and innovation in recycling technologies, along with improvements in infrastructure and consumer education, are essential for making progress toward a more sustainable packaging system.

Can you avoid multilayered packaging as much as possible ?

Avoiding multilayered packaging as much as possible can indeed be a sustainable choice, as it reduces the complexity of materials and makes recycling or disposal easier. Here are some ways to minimize your use of multilayered packaging:

1. Choose Products with Minimal Packaging:
   Look for products that use simple, single-material packaging whenever possible. Items packaged in cardboard, paper, glass, or single types of plastic are often easier to recycle or dispose of compared to multilayered packaging.  


2. Buy in Bulk:
   Purchasing items in bulk or larger quantities can reduce the amount of packaging overall, including multilayered packaging. Consider buying bulk items and using reusable containers to store them at home. 


3. Shop Local and Package-Free:
   Buying locally produced goods, such as fruits, vegetables, and other fresh foods, often allows you to avoid excessive packaging. Additionally, shopping at stores that offer package-free options or allow you to bring your own containers can significantly reduce the use of multilayered packaging. 


4. Choose Recyclable Packaging:
   When selecting products, opt for those packaged in materials that are readily recyclable in your area. This might include products packaged in materials like glass, aluminum, PET and HDPE plastic. They are more likely to be recycled in the end of their life. 


5. Support Brands with Sustainable Packaging Practices:
   Support companies and brands that prioritize sustainable packaging practices, such as using recyclable or compostable materials and minimizing the use of multilayered packaging. 


6. Reduce Single-Use Packaging:
   Avoid single-use items whenever possible, as they often come packaged in multilayered materials. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers. 


7. DIY and Homemade Options:
   Consider making your own products at home, such as food items, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. This allows you to control the packaging and choose simple, eco-friendly options. 


8. Voice Your Preferences:
   Let businesses and manufacturers know that you prefer products with minimal and recyclable packaging. Consumer demand plays a significant role in driving changes in packaging practices.

By being mindful of your purchasing decisions and actively seeking alternatives to multilayered packaging, you can reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

*Image Attribution:

By TBA_packaging_components.gif: KVDPderivative work: Andrew c (talk) - TBA_packaging_components.gif, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9867943