Packaging: avoidance, reduction, recycling
| “Less is often more!” We are aware of this motto at Tetra, which is why
we back minimal solutions for our packaging, without losing sight of three
important objectives: protection of goods, producibility and product safety.
These three features are at the heart of our endeavours, and are the gauge for
all factors, when packaging our branded products is concerned. “We have reached the minimum of what is technically feasible”, explains Manfred Vette, packaging engineer at Tetra, a process that has held for years. While in 1990 the thickness of Tetra tins was 1.2 millimetres, it is now only 0.8 millimetres. This process provides environmental relief and, of course, also reduces costs. In just under 20 years, we have been able to save around 180 tonnes of material through this development. To cause less pollution to the environment on a long-term basis, we have changed the material used to make our tins. Tetra tins are consequentially no longer made out of the less environmentally friendly polystyrene but out of polypropylene, which does less damage to the environment. We have also worked to improve our recycling options. We now back so-called monomaterials, and will increasingly do so in the future. Using monomaterials means that the tin, lid and label are manufactured out of one material and can therefore be disposed as waste for recycling. This is already the case for all 30 and 250 millilitre tins containing Tetra products. In order to protect the environment, we also refrain where possible from using costly blister packaging and instead use folded boxes made out of recycled cardboard. Tetra ensures that unavoidable waste can be disposed of by consumers via certified and state-approved systems. Practiced environmental protection also means an optimum use of pallets, in order to reduce shipping volumes. A special computer programme is even used in the development of transport packaging, leading to volume savings of around ten per cent. At Tetra the future begins today, so our packaging engineers are busy developing tomorrow’s packaging material. Amongst other things, therefore, tests are carried out on whether biologically degradable plastics made from maize starch can be used. Tins manufactured using such materials could then be composted, placing only a small burden on the environment. As yet, this is just a dream for the future, but at Tetra we know that there is no successful future ahead if you don’t have visions. |
Suppliers we can trust Long-term relationships based on trust characterise our dealings with our suppliers and other business associates. Many suppliers have been working for Tetra for over 30 years. In order to ensure the constantly high quality of our products, we only work with renowned companies which are tested beforehand with regard to efficiency in the areas of technical equipment, organisation and communication. We actively involve our suppliers of packaging material in environmental protection. No printing inks containing heavy metals, for instance, may be used. In order to ensure short routes of transport and good communications, Tetra likes to work with local suppliers from the region. It simply does not make sense to transport empty tins for long distances; it also makes business easier because short distances ensure that rapid exchanges can take place. In order to attain another ambitious goal - the paperless office – we, as a pioneer, have also taken our suppliers on board. For instance, years ago we started converting to the credit memo procedure to avoid paper-based invoices to the greatest possible extent. Orders for goods and goods deliveries are also primarily processed electronically and printed out daily in the form of lists. Less is more: our food tins are 0.8 millimetres thin. 30 per cent thinner than before, to help preserve the environment |
