Customers have started field-testing the use of paper straws for packaged beverage products in Europe.
The paper straw was developed to meet internationally recognised food safety standards and to be a fully functional and practical alternative to plastic straws. Made from Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, the straws will be recyclable with the rest of the package.
Tetra Pak announced that it is the first carton packaging company to provide such straws for beverage cartons in Europe. The new paper straw will initially be available for the Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Base and Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Base Crystal packaging, both small size carton packages commonly used for dairy and beverage products for children.
The launch of the straw is seen as a step in the company’s vision to deliver a package made entirely from plant-based packaging materials, contributing to a low-carbon circular economy.
The company also announced its intention to publish and share its findings on paper straw developments to support industrial collaboration on the alternatives to single-use plastic straws for beverage cartons.
The field-testing of the paper straw is beginning with limited volumes while the company increases production capacity at its straw plant in Lisbon, Portugal.
In addition, the company detailed its assessment of technical advancements and collaboration with technology leaders to explore biodegradable options, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, a biodegradable polymer derived from plant-based materials.
Other sustainable drink-from development projects in the company’s pipeline include tethered caps and integrated drink-from systems. The company states that it is prioritising these plans by securing additional resources for its development and supply chain teams.