If Tetra is cardboard, why can't it be recycled?

Tetra packs are commonly used for packaging beverages, such as juice, milk, and soup. These packages are made from a combination of paper, plastic, and aluminium, which makes them lightweight, convenient, and easy to transport. However, despite their many advantages, tetra packs are notoriously difficult to recycle. Here are some reasons why:

1. Complex composition: The combination of paper, plastic, and aluminium used to make tetra packs makes them difficult to recycle. The different materials have to be separated and processed separately, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

2. Lack of recycling facilities: Tetra packs are not accepted by all recycling facilities, as they require specialised equipment and processing techniques. In many areas, there are no facilities that can handle tetra pack recycling, which means that they end up in landfills or incinerators.

3. Contamination: Tetra packs can be difficult to clean and may contain residual liquid or food particles, which can contaminate the recycling stream. This can make it difficult to recycle other materials in the same batch, leading to increased waste.

4. Low demand for recycled material: Even if tetra packs are successfully recycled, there may be a low demand for the resulting material. The recycled material may not be of high enough quality for some applications, or there may be limited markets for recycled tetra pack material.

While tetra packs are not widely recycled, there are some steps that consumers can take to reduce their environmental impact.

One option is to choose products that come in alternative packaging, such as glass or aluminum. Another option is to reuse tetra packs for other purposes, such as storing leftovers or crafting. Finally, consumers can work to increase demand for recycled tetra pack material by supporting companies that use recycled material in their products.

By taking these steps, we can all work towards a more sustainable future.