#Japan #Osaka #Tetra Pak #EXPO2025 #Recycled Cardboard

Innovative Recycling at Expo 2025

In a pioneering effort set to transform the sustainability landscape, Tetra Pak Japan, Oji Holdings, and Gold Pack have united to debut a recycled cardboard made from old aluminum-enhanced paper containers at the Nordic Pavilion during the highly anticipated Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This remarkable initiative marks Japan's first practical application of recycled cardboard utilizing waste materials from aluminum-laden paper containers, a development aimed at revolutionizing recycling practices in the food packaging industry.

The Breakthrough

Traditionally, most aluminum-enhanced paper containers have been subjected to incineration, a method prevalent in thermal recycling, with a mere 3.6% being repurposed into new paper products. The collaboration between Tetra Pak and Oji Holdings has successfully established a pioneering recycling system that transforms these materials into cardboard. This initiative is poised to spearhead the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions across various sectors, particularly focusing on the food industry.

Visitors to the Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025 will receive bottled water packaged in specially designed boxes made from this innovative recycled cardboard. This initiative is not just about packaging; it's about illustrating the potential of circular economies in practice.

Industry Insights

In speaking about this groundbreaking collaboration, Keiji Shimaya, Recycling Promotion Department Director at Oji Holdings, remarked, "Our commitment to environmental symbiosis drives us to tackle ecological issues actively. Through our partnership with Tetra Pak, we aim to expand the recycling of old paper materials, including aluminum-enhanced containers, thereby taking a significant step towards a sustainable society. Our efforts at Expo 2025 exemplify our dedication to facilitating the circular use of paper resources."

Similarly, Junji Momose, of the Management Planning Department at Gold Pack, expressed pride in the company's recognition as a leader in active water circulation initiatives. "Our commitment to harmonizing business activities with the environment aligns perfectly with our participation in the recycled cardboard initiative, highlighting the value of repurposed materials. This collaboration is a vital component of our journey towards achieving a circular economy. We are excited to demonstrate how discarded materials can regain worth and serve a purpose."

Yuko Omori, Sustainability Director at Tetra Pak, further emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "Our goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our business by 2050. Collaborating with industry leaders to implement new recycling methods for used paper containers signifies an essential step towards maximizing resource recovery and promoting environmental value. Offering bottled water packed in recycled cardboard at Expo 2025 provides a tangible experience of resource circulation."

Moving Forward

This pioneering system, recognized on an international scale for its required advanced technology and collection framework, showcases the potential of aluminum-enhanced paper container recycling. Looking forward, the collaboration aims to enhance understanding of these initiatives within the food and beverage sectors, spreading awareness and facilitating a more sustainable environment.

As sustainability continues to take center stage in business practices, the innovative recycling system set to launch at Expo 2025 serves as a catalyst for a brighter future, demonstrating that even complex waste materials can be transformed into valuable resources. Through continued partnerships and technological advancements, the dream of a fully circular economy can become a reality.

For more details on Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainable packaging and its initiatives showcased at Expo 2025, visit Tetra Pak's Official Website.