At Females in Food, we love shining a light on organizations that are not only innovating in the food and beverage space but are also leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. This year, Tetra Pak’s U.S. and Canada team released their FY2024 Sustainability Report Supplement, and it offers an inspiring look at how local initiatives can create ripple effects on a global scale.
While Tetra Pak’s global sustainability goals set the stage, this regional report shows the real-world progress being made right here in the U.S and Mexico—where actions on the ground are delivering measurable impact for communities, the environment, and the industry at large.
Feeding the Future
Food safety, accessibility, and quality remain at the heart of Tetra Pak’s mission. In FY2024, their Denton, Texas converting factory underwent a major expansion, increasing capacity to 9.6 billion packs annually. This boost in production capacity helps meet rising demand for safe, high-quality packaging solutions—critical to strengthening food systems for a rapidly growing population.
Closing the Loop on Packaging
Sustainability is as much about rethinking end-of-life for products as it is about creating the products themselves. Partnering with the Carton Council, Tetra Pak helped launch UPFACTORY California—a recycling facility expected to handle 1.5 million pounds of carton material each month. These recycled materials will be transformed into sustainable building products, creating value from what was once considered waste.
Innovating for Efficiency
Technology is a driving force behind meaningful environmental progress. The introduction of the Tetra Pak® Direct UHT unit in the US and Canada maximizes processing efficiency and flexibility while lowering environmental impact. Compared to its predecessor, the Tetra Therm® Aseptic VTIS, this technology can save around 6% of fresh water during production, an important step in reducing resources used in the food manufacturing process.
Investing in People and Communities
Beyond environmental efforts, Tetra Pak is committed to social sustainability. This includes local events that strengthen community ties, the Core Wellbeing employee wellness program, and ElevateHER—an employee resource group dedicated to supporting and connecting women in the workplace. These programs create inclusive, supportive environments where individuals can thrive and bring their best selves to the table.
Why This Matters for the Food and Beverage Industry
Tetra Pak’s progress is a reminder that meaningful change starts close to home. By pairing bold global ambitions with practical, local solutions, they are proving that every action—whether it is pioneering advancements in technology, rethinking the packaging lifecycle, or investing in people—can create a ripple effect far beyond our own communities.
You can explore the U.S. and Canada FY2024 Sustainability Report Supplement here.
