While Tetra Pak operates within a global framework, the company recognises that sustainability cannot follow a one-size-fits-all model. Therefore, localised solutions are developed based on evolving regulations and the availability of sustainable materials in each market, says Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, South Asia Markets, Tetra Pak. She notes that the framework rests on five interconnected pillars: building resilient food systems, promoting circularity, decarbonising the value chain, preserving nature and biodiversity, and embedding social sustainability across all operations.
Localised Recycling Initiatives
Juhi Gupta mentions that in India, the company has been implementing recycling initiatives for over two decades, working to enhance carton collection and recycling. The company collaborates with more than 40 collection partners, nine recyclers, and 10 recycling sites to ensure proper processing of post-consumer cartons.
In Gurugram, for instance, Tetra Pak partners with Saahas to promote waste segregation at source within condominiums and residential associations, aiming to make these communities self-reliant in waste management. She adds that wet waste is composted locally, while dry waste is recycled, improving both recyclability and income opportunities for waste pickers. A social return on investment study shows a return of Rs 2.95 for every Rs 1 spent, indicating strong social impact.
Community-based recycling projects
In Mumbai, Juhi Gupta highlights collaborations with Go Green and Reliance Retail, where collection bins at Smart Stores and Sahkari Bhandars allow consumers to dispose of used cartons. These cartons are recycled into benches and chairs for underprivileged schools, merging environmental responsibility with social benefit. Additionally, partnerships with the Kabadiwala enable households to schedule waste pick-ups through an app that functions like an “Uber for waste”, supporting recycling accessibility and awareness.
Behavioural change and youth engagement
Juhi Gupta observes that the company’s approach combines technology, infrastructure creation, and behavioural change. She stresses that waste management depends as much on changing habits as it does on building systems. India’s young population, she adds, is increasingly sustainability-conscious, demanding transparency from brands about material sourcing and end-of-life packaging processes. This awareness drives Tetra Pak to innovate continuously, focusing on renewable and recycled materials. The cartons primarily use paperboard, with polymers and aluminium layers, and efforts are underway to make packaging carbon-neutral through greater use of responsibly sourced and recycled content.
The future of Packaging
According to Juhi Gupta, the future of packaging lies in sustainability, guided by four principles: renewability, recyclability, recycled content, and responsibly sourced materials. She notes that the company is investing in connected packaging through QR codes that inform consumers about sustainability initiatives and waste segregation. One major innovation involves replacing aluminium with a paper-based barrier, increasing renewability to 90% and cutting carbon emissions by a third. Aligning with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, Tetra Pak is also sourcing recycled resin locally to strengthen circularity.
Material sourcing across markets
Juhi Gupta explains that India adheres to the same global quality and sourcing standards as other markets. All materials—paperboard, aluminium, and polymers—are responsibly sourced. The paperboard is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, aluminium complies with Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards, and polymers are also responsibly procured. This consistency, she says, ensures minimal environmental impact and global integrity.
Balancing cost, sustainability and safety
Juhi Gupta emphasises that sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and safety are interconnected, not competing priorities. Safety remains non-negotiable even when using recycled materials. She points out that aseptic cartons exemplify a holistic approach—they are lightweight, do not require refrigeration, and reduce transportation and energy costs, aligning both environmental and economic goals.
She mentions that aseptic cartons are particularly valuable in regions without refrigeration, such as remote areas where the Indian Army uses Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk. Gupta clarifies that while consumers may chill beverages for taste, the safety of aseptic products is unaffected by refrigeration. Packaging is also designed to perform consistently under India’s diverse climatic conditions, ensuring durability and product integrity.
Scaling innovations in India
Juhi Gupta concedes that scaling innovations in India poses challenges, particularly around securing sufficient renewable raw materials and building robust recycling infrastructure. She notes that even the best-designed packaging requires effective collection systems, so Tetra Pak designs with local recycling realities in mind to ensure long-term success.
Co-investing in waste ecosystems
She observes growing awareness and regulatory momentum, with policies like EPR and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, are making brands to act responsibly. She says more companies are now collaborating to build collection and recycling ecosystems, viewing such partnerships as opportunities for real impact rather than mere compliance.
Designing for a circular economy
For a truly circular economy, Juhi Gupta explains, packaging must be designed for reuse and recycling. By using recycled resin produced from plastic waste converted into pyro oil, the company reintroduces waste into the packaging cycle. She notes that their approach covers the entire lifecycle—from sustainable design, such as fibre-based barrier innovations, to collaboration with governments, municipalities, and citizens to strengthen collection and recycling systems.
Improving lives of waste workers
She adds that Tetra Pak’s sustainability efforts also extend to social inclusion. Through a multi-year initiative with PepsiCo, the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, and the Indian Alliance of Waste Workers, the company supports economic empowerment and policy advocacy for waste workers. The project seeks to elevate their role within the circular economy and create a supportive, equitable ecosystem for the waste management community.
