TETRA PAK SOUTHERN AFRICA recently announced plans to increase the recycling rate of liquid board packaging (LBP) to 40% by 2030 at an event attended by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; the Consumer Goods Council of SA; South Africa’s largest dairy and juice producers; PETCO; the Forest Stewardship Council; Gayatri Paper Mills; Infinite Industries; timber plastic producers; and waste picker associations.

MD Klaus Plenge explained that Tetra Pak is dedicated to expanding collection and recycling efforts in South Africa with the goal of keeping materials in use and out of landfills through effective value chain creation and support, as well as continuous recycling capability development.

‘Within the last three years, Tetra Pak has invested around R34-million in the local collection and recycling ecosystem, aiming to boost the effective recycling rate of our packages,’ he reported. ‘In 2023, we are investing R18-million to support the industry with the goal of surpassing 8 500 tons in collection and recycling.’

To achieve these targets, Klaus announced a range of initiatives, including a R10-million investment in a PolyAlu recycling plant (to be launched in 2024), which will improve the production line for plastiwood furniture. Additionally, a pallet made from 100% PolyAlu will be launched next year to fast-moving consumer goods operations nationally to enhance the recycling of PolyAlu packaging materials.

The company has partnered with Woodlands Dairy, PETCO and Gayatri Paper Mills for its ‘Choose to Recycle’ pilot school competition in the Cape and Gauteng regions, which has delivered approximately 45 000 cartons for recycling to date. It is in the process of broadening this campaign with more partners and to more schools in both provinces.

Tetra Pak has also worked with PETCO to activate new buyback centres to supply more LBP delivered to Gayatri’s recycling facility. Currently, 38% of this LBP is derived from these additional buyback centres.

‘Tetra Pak’s current initiatives don’t only focus on recycling, we’ve also invested €25-million in our Pinetown plant to improve efficiencies, extend its reach and serve more customers. The investments made will also benefit local farming communities, suppliers of raw materials and services in the local community,’ Klaus noted. ‘The plant upgrades have enhanced operational sustainability through the reduction of CO2 emissions, reduced energy and water use in processing as well as the incorporation of alternative sources of electricity in manufacturing processes.’

‘All these initiatives are a testament to Tetra Pak’s commitment to driving recycling efforts, reducing waste and finding innovative solutions to build a more sustainable future in southern Africa,’ he concluded.

Clover launches custard in metallized cartons

FOR the first time in South Africa, Tetra Pak’s long-standing customer, Clover, will package its premium Bliss Double Cream Custard in Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 square cartons for greater shelf stand out thanks to the introduction of metallized paperboard that enhances the contrast between the metallic and non-metallic design elements, logos and brand names.

According to Lebohang MothobiTilo, marketing director of Tetra Pak Southern Africa, Tetra Pak Metallized enables brand owners such as Clover to experiment with new packaging designs or change existing ones with minimal impact on their production set-up and without any new installations or investments.

Stuart Wade, head of Clover’s snacking business unit, adds: ‘Clover Bliss Double Cream Custard is the culmination of our dedication to providing consumers with a truly exceptional dessert experience. With this unique metallic packaging, Clover Bliss will stand out on shelf versus all competitors.’