{"id":17335,"date":"2025-05-07T12:38:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T12:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/?p=17335"},"modified":"2025-05-15T11:14:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T11:14:59","slug":"sealing-the-future-with-a-new-paper-based-cap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/07\/sealing-the-future-with-a-new-paper-based-cap\/","title":{"rendered":"Sealing the future with a new paper-based cap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Could a new paper-based cap point to the future? Here\u2019s how the shift towards paper-based packaging is inspiring innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New regulations, increasing consumer expectations, and the global push to reduce plastic use are reshaping packaging as we know it. The future belongs to renewable, recyclable materials \u2013 and paper is leading the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re on a journey to deliver the world\u2019s most sustainable food package,\u201d says Aldo Fontana<\/strong>, Global Product Manager at Tetra Pak. \u201cThat means a carton fully made from renewable or recycled materials, responsibly sourced to reduce environmental impact. It also means designing for circularity and ensuring a package is easily recyclable and offers a high yield of recycled materials.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, it\u2019s time for the next step in that journey: testing an industry-first paper-based cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shift toward paperisation is transforming the industry. Manufacturers are replacing plastic components with fibre-based solutions to increase the share of renewable materials and promote recyclability. Consumer expectations are rising, too \u2013 31% of consumers say they would recycle cartons more if they were made entirely of paperboard, while 21% want packaging made only from renewable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsumers now see cartons as the most environmentally sound beverage packaging,\u201d Aldo explains. \u201cThe paper-based cap builds on this momentum and supports our goal of maximising paper content in our solutions \u2013 while maintaining functionality and making the transition smooth for both food and beverage producers and consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsumers see cartons as the most environmentally sound beverage packaging. The paper-based cap builds on this momentum and supports our goal of maximising paper content in our solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineering the paper-based cap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For years, Tetra Pak has been investing in research and development to increase the share of paper-based content in carton packages \u2013 moving away from fossil-based plastic and working toward a simplified material structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most recently, a paper-based barrier was introduced to replace the aluminium foil layer in aseptic cartons, which can increase the share of paper content to approximately 80%. When\u00a0combined with plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane, this can help reduce the carbon footprint of aseptic food packaging by up to 33%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developing a paper-based cap can take the number even higher \u2013 but it\u2019s an ambitious goal that requires carefully balancing package integrity, production line compatibility and consumer functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCreating a cap from paper isn\u2019t as simple as swapping materials,\u201d explains Pietro Martini<\/strong>, Manager Solutions Scouting & Early Innovation at Tetra Pak. \u201cIt requires an entirely new approach to engineering, material science and production technology. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to test our innovations so we can see what consumers think of it and get data on how it performs before we move toward industrialisation and full-scale production.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test will provide valuable data on how the cap performs in real-world conditions: \u201cThis is not just a packaging tweak \u2013 it\u2019s a vertical innovation. Paper is traditionally used for packaging, not closures,\u201d says Pietro. \u201cAdapting it for a cap changes everything, from raw material sourcing to supply chain adaptation, manufacturing and consumer interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is not just a packaging tweak \u2013 it\u2019s a vertical innovation. Paper is traditionally used for packaging, not closures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collaborating on a real-world consumer test<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no proper test without collective effort \u2013 and long-time customer Aneto from Spain is now introducing a first pilot batch of family packages. Aneto has consistently pushed boundaries to align packaging choices and values, so it made perfect sense for the company to put the industry-first cap on shelf for a commercial consumer test in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, Aneto introduced sugarcane-based polymers in both caps and packaging material coatings, increasing the share of renewable materials in their products. Testing a paper-based cap was the next natural step to becoming less reliant on fossil-based resources \u2013 and it has a real impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By replacing the plastic cap with a paper-based alternative, the paper content in the package increases by 3%, now representing approximately 73% of the total package share by weight. Together with plant-based polymers used in the packaging material coatings and the neck of the opening, the overall share of renewable content in the package is 87%.\u00a0That means consumers get a high share of renewable materials in their packaging, making it easier to make more sustainable choices without compromising on convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sustainability isn\u2019t just a commitment for us \u2013 it\u2019s a key part of our DNA and brand identity,\u201d says Joaquim Jim\u00e9nez Santamaria<\/strong>, CEO & Managing Director at Aneto Natural. \u201cWe were among the first brands in Spain to use plant-based packaging, and we\u2019re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the test, Aneto\u2019s vegetable broth was chosen. This product has steady, year-round demand, making it an ideal choice for a controlled test production run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re always open to testing innovations that align with our values,\u201d Joaquim explains. \u201cWe want to lead in sustainability while giving our customers the best possible experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will consumers think of the new cap?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest challenges in developing new packaging innovations is ensuring they work without causing disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe test gives us an opportunity to see how consumers react,\u201d says Aldo. \u201cAnd to make sure that what we\u2019ve developed performs just as well as traditional caps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cap needs to be able to handle moisture, temperature shifts, and transportation stress while maintaining product quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“One of our top priorities is ensuring that the cap meets the same performance standards as plastic caps,” says Pietro. “It has to be easy to open, resealable, and durable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“One of our top priorities is ensuring that the cap meets the same performance standards as plastic caps. It has to be easy to open, resealable, and durable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure this, the cap has been tested according to Tetra Pak standards and protocols to evaluate package integrity, material resilience, and recyclability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because as Pietro points out, this isn\u2019t just a little packaging tweak \u2013 it\u2019s a fundamental shift in closure technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs with any new innovation, production needs to scale over time,\u201d says Pietro. \u201cAs we refine the process and optimise manufacturing, the technology will become more accessible across the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paper holds the potential for an industry shift<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The paper-based cap is part of a bigger movement \u2013 one that\u2019s rapidly gaining momentum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe trend toward paper-based packaging is accelerating,\u201d says Aldo. \u201cEvery step makes a difference and helps move us closer to a low-carbon, fully renewable package. We sell more than 16 billion carton packages with caps in the EU alone. So, imagine the impact on plastic reduction if even a fraction of these transitioned to paper-based caps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe sell more than 16 billion carton packages with caps in the EU alone. So, imagine the impact on plastic reduction if even a fraction of these transitioned to paper-based caps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Aneto, this collaboration reinforces their leadership in sustainable packaging \u2013 a journey they\u2019ve been on for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We\u2019re proud to be part of this,” says Joaquim. “For us, it\u2019s about more than just innovation \u2013 it\u2019s about staying true to our values and showing what\u2019s possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aldo, Pietro and the rest of the team will keep rethinking materials \u2013 and rethinking the entire lifecycle of packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur focus is on creating solutions that are made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, and fully recyclable,\u201d says Aldo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey towards the world\u2019s most sustainable package continues. And while the cap might be small, its impact could turn out to be anything but.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Could a new paper-based cap point to the future? Here\u2019s how the shift towards paper-based packaging is inspiring innovation. New regulations, increasing consumer expectations, and the global push to reduce plastic use are reshaping packaging as we know it. The future belongs to renewable, recyclable materials \u2013 and paper is leading the way. \u201cWe\u2019re on<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17337,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[941,193],"class_list":{"0":"post-17335","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-latest-news","8":"tag-paper-packaging","9":"tag-tetra-pak"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17335"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17338,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17335\/revisions\/17338"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpmirror.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}