In its latest report, The Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action identifies setbacks and recommends guiding principles to help low- and middle-income countries apply extended producer responsibility to liquid packaging cartons.
Expanding on the Consumer Goods Forum’s previous report on extended producer responsibility in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) more broadly, the latest instalment sets out material-specific considerations for liquid packaging cartons.
This is thought to be an important packaging format for dairy, juices, nectars, and plant-based alternatives in locations where cold-chain infrastructure can be limited, keeping the products safe and shelf-stable.
Reportedly, they are made from 75% paper on average and produce long, high-quality fibres when recycled effectively. However, their multi-layer compositions can feature polymer and aluminium layers, which complicates the recycling process – especially in markets where infrastructure is still developing.
The Coalition’s case studies – featuring countries such as South Africa, India, Vietnam, Chile, and China – indicate three recurring barriers to effective carton recycling within EPR systems.
These include insufficient policy measures for liquid packaging cartons in EPR schemes, whether that means categorizing them inappropriately and setting unrealistic targets or failing to consistently include them in the scheme altogether.
Another setback is reported to be an uneven playing field for recycling pathways. If liquid packaging cartons are accepted for recycling at all, some systems only recognize part of the carton in accounting procedures.
Thirdly, EPR fees do not always cover the full net costs of collection, sorting and recycling processes; nor are they always ring-fenced to support carton-specific value chains or infrastructure investment, the Coalition argues.
In response, the report lists a set of guiding principles specific to support policymakers and producer responsibility organizations (PROs) in low- and middle-income countries.
Among its suggestions are establishing a dedicated category for liquid packaging cartons, preferably within paper; ensuring that national collecting and recycling systems accept liquid packaging cartons; and setting realistic collection and recycling targets in line with existing infrastructure.
The Coalition asserts that multi-year contracts and end-market development should be used to support the long-term development of infrastructure. Additionally, EPR fees should be allocated to process the full carton structure through the range of recycling pathways, and should reflect the true costs of management and ring-fenced funds for collection and recycling.
According to the report, liquid packaging cartons have achieved high recycling rates in mature recycling systems. With the expansion of EPR across low- and middle-income countries, the Coalition highlights that a ‘harmonized’ and ‘practical’ approach will account for the realities of specific materials while aligning with broader system design principles.
“Many governments in the global south have understandably started implementing EPR for plastics only, but to reach economies of scale, EPR should deliver for all packaging irrespective of material,” said Kristiina Veitola, director of Corporate Affairs Circular Economy and Packaging Policy at Tetra Pak. “This project recommends how to make an EPR more inclusive complementing the earlier CGF EPR guidance.
“Thank you to CGF, companies in the project steering and all stakeholders who shared their insights and feedback in the interviews and consultation during the project!”
The Coalition adds that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society are still welcome to provide ongoing engagement and feedback.
In other carton news, Tetra Pak recently worked alongside Spanish beverage producer García Carrión to apply paper-based barrier technology to its juice cartons. Made with up to 80% paper, the new packaging combines the paper-based barrier with plant-based polymers used in the packaging material coatings.
With the technology expected to unlock 80% paper content and 92% renewable content in a single aseptic carton, Tetra Pak has since announced plans to invest €60 million into a pilot plant for its paper-based barriers.
Meanwhile, the Plastic Waste Coalition of Action has published another report that uplifts the role of artificial intelligence in packaging operations. Apparently, it can help companies generate and optimize designs, sort waste effectively, and trace materials throughout the supply chain.
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