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With different companies across the globe raising the sustainability flag, few have turned bold claims into measurable impact. Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, is setting a new standard not through promises, but through proven performance.
While many industries are only beginning their journey toward a greener economy, Tetra Pak has been actively building one. The company has tripled its recycling growth rate over recent years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting the planet. This success stems from a clear vision, sustained investment, and powerful partnerships across the globe.
Tripling 2023 recycling rates, Tetra Pak® demonstrates commitment to sustainability
Tetra Pak® Southern Africa is proud to announce a significant sustainability achievement, with a 26% collection rate for post-consumer Liquid Board Packaging (LBP) recorded in 2024. This milestone highlights the substantial increase from the collection for recycling rate of 8% in 2023.
The percentage of LBP placed on the market by Tetra Pak® that was ultimately recycled similarly leapt from 8% to 24%, underscoring its progress towards the goal of 40% recycling by 2030. These results, achieved in partnership with the producer responsibility organisation Petco, also met the legislated annual targets for the recycling of its cartons set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. This impressive growth has been driven by strategic partnerships and investments in South Africa’s recycling ecosystem. Collaborations with major recyclers Mpact and Gayatri Paper Mills have allowed Tetra Pak® cartons to become an integral part of their operations, helping to advance the recycling infrastructure across the country.
Reflecting on the three-fold growth from 2023, Masale Manoko, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Manager, says the achievement highlights the successful results of collaborative efforts. “Achieving 26% collection and 24% recycling rates is testament to the power of partnerships and innovation. By working closely with our PRO, recyclers, communities, and other stakeholders, we’re not only meeting our extended producer responsibility commitments but also fostering a culture of recycling that contributes to a sustainable future.” Manoko also highlighted Tetra Pak’s commitment to education and community outreach. “In 2024, we invested an additional R3.5 million to enhance our collection systems. As part of this, we deployed eleven young professionals to serve as recycling champions across the country, educating waste pickers and buy-back centres about carton recycling. These efforts are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and robust recycling value chain in South Africa.”
Tetra Pak leading the way in carton recycling
Klaus Plenge, Managing Director of Tetra Pak® Southern Africa, noted the company’s leadership role in the region’s carton recycling efforts. “Tetra Pak continues to be the principal producer driving LBP recycling in South Africa. With over R20 million invested in 2024, we are proud to lead this charge, creating partnerships and making long-term investments that contribute to sustainability and the development of a circular economy.”
Strengthening Partnerships
In collaboration with Petco, Tetra Pak® has further expanded its impact on the recycling landscape. Petco has embraced LBP collection and recycling as part of its expanded vision for building a sustainable packaging value chain.
Petco CEO Telly Chauke has applauded the growth figures. “Petco’s exceptional results for our LBP scheme are proof of what’s possible when organisations share a common vision. We’d like to thank Tetra Pak for their consistent support and engagement, and investing in this shared success. By leveraging Petco’s nearly two decades of experience in recycling, we’ve been able to establish a sustainable model for LBP recycling that will benefit both Tetra Pak® and the environment for years to come, and these audited results stand as testament to an extended producer responsibility model that works.”
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Empowering the next generation
As part of its sustainability goals, Tetra Pak® continues to inspire young minds through initiatives like the 2024 Recycle Carton School Competition. In partnership with Orange Grove Dairy, RFG Foods, and Woodlands Dairy, the campaign reached over 300,000 students across 320 schools in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape.
The competition, which ran towards the end of the third quarter into the start of Q4, collected more than 1.6 million cartons. It educated learners on the value of recycling and demonstrated how recycled materials can be transformed into useful items like benches, desks, and roof tiles.
Plenge concludes, “Having recently celebrated Global Recycling Day, this reminds us that sustainability is a shared responsibility. By uniting schools, communities, businesses, and governments, we are building a resilient and efficient recycling ecosystem that benefits both people and the planet. Together, we can achieve a sustainable future.”
