Tetra Pak, Switzerland, aims to launch a paper straw that is suitable for its portion-sized carton packages before the end of the year, as part of a broader program to help address the issue of plastic straw waste.

Straws play an integral, functional role on portion packages, but if not properly disposed of, they then become part of the plastics waste problem. The company has been working to encourage consumers to push straws "back in the pack" once empty, so they can be collected along with the rest of the package. Now, work is under way to develop a paper straw that is suitable for use with its portion-size carton packages.

"It sounds simple enough," concedes Charles Brand (photo), EVP, Tetra Pak  Product Management & Commercial Operations, "but in reality, there are a number of significant challenges to producing a paper straw with the required properties."

"That said, our development team is confident they can find a solution, and that we’ll have a paper straw alternative ready to launch by the end of the year."

On average, Tetra Pak packages are about 75% paperboard; paper straws would be another important step towards the company’s long-term ambition of offering a completely renewable portfolio.

Tetra Pak is a global food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with its customers and suppliers, Tetra Pak provides safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. With more than 24,000 employees around the world, the company believes in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. 

More information about Tetra Pak is available online.