Tetrapaks : The Problem Of Recycling

The Problem Of Recycling

One big argument against TetraPak is around recycling. TetraPak cartons are fully recyclable, which unfortunately does not mean much in locations where carton recycling facilities do not exist. But in the increasing number of places where the technology is available the plastic and aluminum are separated and recycled indefinitely while the high-quality paper fibers are turned into products that previously may have been made from virgin pulp, such as corrugated cardboard boxes.

Why Not Recycle TetraPaks Into New TetraPaks?

While TetraPak could use recycled pulp, even pulp from recycled TetraPak cartons, the fibers in this pulp would not be as strong. TetraPak realized that in order to maintain the required properties, the recycled paperboard would have to be quite a bit thicker. So the decision was made to minimize the product's weight and let other industries with less critical material requirements use the recycled pulp.The argument that a product is only recyclable if it can be turned into a new version of itself is a false one. TetraPak cartons can be recycled into many pulp-products that would have otherwise been made with virgin pulp. Due to the characteristics of wood fibers no paper product is infinitely recyclable like aluminum, but unlike aluminum, glass, and plastic it is a fully renewable resource that will biodegrade into soil.But out, only 20% of TetraPak cartons are recycled worldwide as in 2010, a number which is steadily climbing due to TetraPak's efforts but is still quite low. 
content source: tetrapak, treehugger
image source: eco-bali