Technological Advancements in Dairy Processing Enhance Industry Efficiency
Tetra Pak has emphasized the critical role of advanced processing technology in the dairy industry, particularly regarding the preservation of long-life milk. The company's recent insights reveal that the longevity of such products relies heavily on a comprehensive industrial control chain rather than solely on packaging.
In April 2026, Tetra Pak published a revised study, reviewed by the Carbon Trust, which suggests that modernizing existing dairy processing lines could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 49%. These reductions are achievable depending on the specific line being analyzed, and the company notes that substantial gains can be made without the need for a complete overhaul of industrial plants.
One practical example comes from the Brazilian manufacturer Tial, which implemented a new pasteurization concept developed by Tetra Pak. This technology allowed Tial to recover approximately 70,000 liters of beverage annually during packaging, while reducing steam consumption by 64.6% and cutting annual water usage for equipment cleaning by at least 50.3%.
Tetra Pak's approach integrates environmental efficiency with economic components of industrial operations. The company's Monte Mor facility exemplifies this broader strategy, as it not only produces packaging and plastic straws but also houses supply chain, automation, technical support, design, and service areas for Latin American operations.
According to Salvador Marino Neto, Tetra Pak Brazil's industrial director, the complexity of packaging lies in the combination of industrial steps that are not visible to consumers. These processes include flexographic printing with water-based ink, lamination of paper, plastic, and aluminum layers, and structural preparation for subsequent packaging formation on filling lines.
Through these initiatives, Tetra Pak seeks to strengthen its position not just as a packaging supplier but as an operational partner in product development, processing, packaging, and production efficiency within the food and dairy industries.
