Tetra Pak has expanded its paper-based barrier technology to high-speed Tetra Pak A3/Speed filling lines, with Maeil Dairies becoming the first producer globally to implement the solution for its soy milk.

The company said this aligns with a broader shift across the food and beverage industry, where producers are accelerating the transition towards low-carbon, renewable packaging materials.

Developed to replace the aluminum foil layer used in aseptic cartons, the new paper-based barrier maintains comparable levels of food protection and shelf life. When combined with plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane, the Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Slim carton used with Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 product in South Korea achieved 87% renewable content and delivered a 26% reduction in package carbon footprint, as verified by the Carbon Trust.

Maeil Dairies is reported to be the first producer globally to implement packaging material with the new paper-based barrier on a Tetra Pak A3/Speed filling machine.

Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president, packaging solutions at Tetra Pak, said, “Scaling sustainable packaging solutions should go hand in hand with operational efficiency. By bringing our paper-based barrier to high-performing Tetra Pak A3/Speed packaging lines, we are offering beverage producers an opportunity to adopt low-carbon packaging solution based on renewable materials while maintaining food protection and cost-competitiveness.”

The new package for Maeil Soy Milk 99.9 marks the first use of Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier in the plant-based beverages category.

Inki Lee, chief operating officer at Maeil Dairies, said, “Maeil Dairies has pioneered the domestic low-sugar soy milk segment, establishing a leading position in the market. Introducing new packaging on our Soy Milk 99.9 line reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Our collaboration with Tetra Pak enables us to drive meaningful, forward-looking change that will benefit consumers and future generations alike.”