Tetra Pak cartons are multi-layer paperboard packages widely used for milk, beverages, and other liquid foods. Their structure typically combines paperboard for strength, plastic layers for sealing and moisture resistance, and a thin aluminum foil for barrier protection. This design ensures long shelf life, but also makes recycling far more complex than single-material packaging. Today, more than 200 billion beverage cartons are placed on the global market each year.

Historically, beverage cartons have suffered from low recycling rates. However, the industry is now entering a phase of accelerated growth. By 2024, the global collection and recycling rate will have reached approximately 28%, up from around 20–25% in previous years. This steady improvement reflects rising environmental pressure, improved collection systems, and growing demand for scalable, efficient recycling technologies.

The key challenge in Tetra Pak recycling is the efficient separation of bonded materials—paper fiber, plastic, and aluminum—without damaging their reuse value. When properly processed, all components can be successfully recovered.

Paper fiber accounts for approximately 70–75% of the carton. Once repulped, it can be reused in tissue paper, packaging paper, and industrial board. Compared with mixed waste paper, these fibers offer high strength and durability, making them the primary profit source in carton recycling.

The remaining 25–30%, known as PolyAl (plastic and aluminum composite), was once considered low-value waste. Today, PolyAl is commonly recycled into pellets or composite materials used for plastic pallets, panels, crates, and molded industrial products, with many projects achieving break-even or stable profitability.

To address these challenges, the paper–plastic–aluminum recycling machine is designed as a fully automatic, high-efficiency system for complete material recovery from Tetra Pak and beverage cartons. Fully Automatic Recycling Solution for Tetra Pak Cartons.

👉 Contact Tel: +86 199 0388 6476
👉 Contact Email: sunyrecycle.zack@gmail.com