In a global context increasingly demanding in environmental terms, the food packaging industry faces the challenge of reinventing itself to meet the needs of the planet, consumers, and regulations. In this interview, Virginia Rodríguez, Head of Sustainability at Tetra Pak Iberia, shares how the company has evolved its sustainability strategy and the impact it is having on the sector. From innovative recycling solutions to strategic partnerships, Tetra Pak is paving a firm path toward truly sustainable packaging.
From sustainability as a commitment to sustainability as a comprehensive strategy
Tetra Pak leads the carton beverage packaging sector with a clear vision: achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and across its entire value chain by 2050.
This path involves not only changing materials but also transforming processes and collaboration models. The company is committed to packaging increasingly made from renewable or recycled materials—without compromising food safety—and to processing solutions that preserve nutrients, reduce waste, and optimize resource use.
“Our goal is clear: we want to offer the world’s most sustainable food package,” says Virginia, emphasizing that their mission goes beyond the product itself, covering the entire value chain and also supporting their customers in their own green transition.
Design, collaboration, and investment: the formula for effective recycling
One of the most significant challenges in current packaging is the recyclability of complex materials. Tetra Pak cartons are mainly made of cardboard but also include layers polyethylene and aluminum layers (polyal), necessary for food safety and it requires specific recycling infrastructure.
To address this, the company works on three fronts: designing packaging with recycling in mind from the start, collaborating with authorities and recyclers, and actively investing in infrastructure improvements.
In recent years, Tetra Pak has invested €40 million globally in this effort. In Spain, key partnerships with recyclers such as Trans Sabater and Alier have multiplied PolyAl recycling capacity tenfold, along with collaboration with PRECO to lay the groundwork for chemical recycling of polyethylene. The company also leads public awareness campaigns to encourage proper waste separation, key to closing the loop.
The case of our Closset PolyAl
A clear example of collaborative innovation is the Closset PolyAl project, developed in partnership with Canussa Lab and CM Plastik.
“The Closset PolyAl project transformed this material into a functional, durable, and visually appealing product. It reinforces the message that there is no such thing as waste, only poorly utilized resources,” explains Virginia. Beyond the tangible result, this experience highlights the value of cross-sector collaboration and circular design as levers for scaling sustainable solutions.
This project has demonstrated that materials like polyal can have high-value applications, not only in fashion or accessories but also in construction and industrial design.
Major advances in energy efficiency and emissions reduction
Tetra Pak has also achieved significant reductions in its environmental footprint by optimizing its use of raw materials and energy. The introduction of a paper-based barrier in its packaging, increasing renewable content to 90%, has reduced its carbon footprint by 33%. Additionally, the company is progressively incorporating certified plant-based polymers and recycled materials with verified traceability.
In its operations, 84% of global electricity use is already renewable, and in Spain, 100% of its plants run on renewable energy. Since 2019, the company has cut its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 20% across its entire value chain and by 47% in its own operations.
Innovation as a driver of change
“Innovation is key to developing sustainable and functional packaging solutions. It not only helps improve existing materials and processes but also opens the door to disruptive solutions that can redefine the very concept of packaging,” says Virginia Rodríguez.
She also notes that traceability technologies, new materials, packaging tailored to emerging consumer needs, and industrial process automation are essential for the industry's future.
Among the company’s advances are homogenizers that reduce energy consumption by up to 25% and digital solutions that optimize resources and enhance food safety.
Transparency and consumer-friendly sustainability
Aware of the increasingly demanding role of consumers, Tetra Pak is committed to transparency. Its packaging features certifications like FSC®, Bonsucro®, and ISCC Plus, and carries the Carbon Trust™ label, which independently verifies carbon footprint reductions. This is complemented by direct consumer communication through packaging and educational campaigns.
Trends and recommendations that will shape the future of packaging
Virginia identifies five key trends that will define the future of food packaging and processing:
- Sustainability and decarbonization: Growth in the use of renewable and circular packaging.
- Digitalization and traceability: Smart packaging enabling full traceability.
- Safety and personalized nutrition: Flexible, safe production for personalized food.
- Automation and operational efficiency: Technological optimization of operations and resource use.
- User-centered design: Functional, accessible, and sustainable packaging.
In conclusion, Virginia states, “the future of the sector will be defined by a balance between technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and agile response to evolving consumer needs.”
Tetra Pak’s testimony proves that “sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a real competitive advantage.” For companies starting this journey, Virginia offers a clear recommendation: integrate sustainability into strategy with measurable goals, active collaboration, attentive listening, and practical innovation. In doing so, industry leaders can drive the shift toward a more just, circular, and planet-friendly model.
