Innocent removes seal from Tetra cartons as first FSC packs launch

The Tetra Rex cartons are 8% lighter than before, saving around 100 tonnes of cartonboard a year, and have been launched as Innocent also introduces its first FSC-certified packaging, for its children’s packs.

Previously, under each cap, there was a foil-laminate membrane that had to be removed using a ringpull before the drinks could be poured.

Innocent explained in a statement: “Since our smoothies need a good shake first, that sometimes resulted in stuff getting splashed when you pulled the seal off.”

The new screw caps create an effective seal without the need for the additional membrane, and Innocent estimates the new caps will save 20 tonnes of plastic a year.

“We did loads of testing with the new caps and taste and shelf life are still the same,” said packaging, processing and purchasing team leader Simon Oxley.

The company said that the weight-reduction programme would begin with the one-litre smoothie packs but would be rolled out across other products packed in Tetra Rex packs.

In a separate development, from next month, Innocent’s 180ml children’s smoothie Tetra Wedge cartons will be FSC certified. These are the first Innocent drinks to be in FSC-certified packaging. Oxley said the company is working to get the one-litre cartons FSC accredited.

Innocent sustainability manager Tom Berry said: “We are far from perfect but are working hard to get better. Reducing the weight of our cartons is just one of the steps we are taking to try and become a truly sustainable business.”

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