In its latest Sustainability Report, Tetra Pak reveals significant strides toward its climate ambitions and social impact goals—reporting a 25 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3) compared to 2019, and a 54 % cut within its own operations.
These accomplishments underscore Tetra Pak’s ongoing commitment to decarbonization. The company’s operations now draw 94 % of their energy from renewable sources, putting it firmly on course to achieve net-zero emissions in its own footprint by 2030.
But the story doesn’t end with numbers. Tetra Pak’s environmental progress is tightly woven into its mission to deliver safe, nutritious food worldwide and to uplift local communities—especially in regions where sustainable systems are still emerging.
Driving circular economy in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Tetra Pak is translating its global goals into locally meaningful action. Through its Cartons for Communities program, the company is galvanizing partnerships across industries, government, and civil society to promote awareness of beverage cartons’ recyclability and to establish collection systems. Once collected, cartons are transformed—via collaborators like Rural Industrial Corporation and Axelum Resources Corporation—into Poly Al boards, chipboards, roofing materials, and furniture, creating tangible community value.
- In 2024 alone, the program collected over 700 tonnes of cartons, marking an 80 % year-on-year increase
- It has expanded into new regions through collaborations with local government units (LGUs), further embedding recycling infrastructure nationwide
As Terrynz Tan, Sustainability Director for Tetra Pak ASEAN, puts it, “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished—yet we also know the journey is far from over. Real, lasting change demands collaboration. We call on partners across sectors, from local governments to schools and communities, to join us in strengthening a true circular economy.”
Tetra Pak’s packaging plays a vital role in the Philippines’ unique context, where food security is fragile and supply chains are vulnerable to climate shocks. Its aseptic cartons extend milk, juice, and nutrition shelf-life without refrigeration—making distribution possible to remote, underserved, or disaster-impacted communities. The link between safe food access and environmental management is central to Tetra Pak’s local strategy.
Catherine Chua, Sustainability Manager, explains, “Beyond delivering shelf-stable nourishment to far-flung areas, we work side by side with LGUs, recyclers, and schools to fortify collection and recycling systems. These partnerships are essential in building a circular economy from the ground up.”
Global highlights from FY24
Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, here are some of the report’s standout achievements:
- Energy & waste savings in food production: Tetra Pak’s manufacturing solutions empowered factories to reduce energy use by up to 40 % and improve quality consistency by 60 %, minimizing food loss
- Nutrition for children: 66 million children across 49 countries received fortified milk or other beverages via school feeding programs
- Smallholder impact: 84,000 dairy farmers across 29 “Dairy Hub” sites saw improved income stability while contributing to supply resiliency
- R&D investment: Nearly €100 million invested in environmentally progressive packaging innovations—e.g. recycled polymer caps (in partnership with Elle & Vire), and the new Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf with a paper-based barrier
- Nature framework launch: The “Approach to Nature” framework was introduced, outlining over 20 time-bound targets to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss
- Worker and supplier engagement: Expanded worker-voice programs, impact assessments, and supplier sustainability dialogues—150 suppliers are now part of the “Join Us in Protecting the Planet” initiative
A forward-looking call to action
Tetra Pak’s FY24 results are proof that credible progress is possible—if efforts are holistic, consistent, and inclusive. But the company acknowledges that real transformation requires collective resolve:
- Scaling impact: The next phase is bringing circular systems to scale—infrastructure, collection, recycling — particularly in emerging markets
- Co-creation focus: Deepening collaboration with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and industry peers
- Innovation acceleration: Advancing next-gen materials, processing efficiency, and climate-friendly packaging
- Community rootedness: Ensuring sustainability is co-designed with local actors and grounded in real community needs
Tetra Pak invites stakeholders across sectors to join in reimagining how industry, people, and planet can thrive together.