From: FoodBev

Tetra Pak is to launch a paper straw as part of a programme to address the issue of plastic straw waste.

Indonesian girls, Tetra Brik@ Aseptic

Suitable for its portion-sized carton packages, the paper straws will be launched before the end of this year.

The carton giant said it has been encouraging consumers to push straws ‘back in the pack’ once empty, so they can be collected along with the rest of the package.

Charles Brand, Tetra Pak executive vice president, product management & commercial operations, said: “It sounds simple enough, but in reality, there are a number of significant challenges to producing a paper straw with the required properties.

“That said, our development team is confident they can find a solution, and that we’ll have a paper straw alternative ready to launch by the end of the year.”

On average, Tetra Pak packages are about 75% paperboard; paper straws would be another important step towards the company’s ambitious long-term ambition of offering a completely renewable portfolio.