Used Beverage Cartons Management Study

Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company. During its journey of over 70 years, with a sustained focus on innovation , Tetra Pak has actively engaged in various initiatives to protect food, people, and the planet aligning their activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the sole purpose of comprehending the management of used beverage cartons, Tetra Pak is dedicated to ensuring the safety of food and the well-being of future generations.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in 2021 roughly 7% of municipal solid waste (MSW) consisted of paper and cardboard waste with an estimated recovery rate of 60%. The quantity of paper and cardboard which was recovered in 2021 was 2,222,850 tonnes,1 which corresponds to nearly 57% recovery. Hence, the paper recovery rate for waste paper in India is assumed at 57% for calculations within this report

TERI conducted primary survey with various stakeholders across the value chain. Earlier also, studies were done by TERI in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2020. Currently, The need of study to understand recycling rates in 24 cities, for which, a robust study using statistical tools and analysis is being undertaken by TERI for Tetra Pak India Pvt. Ltd. (TPIPL). Tetra Pak has been doing voluntary EPR for more than 15 years now and has been continuously working with recyclers across South Asian region to develop solutions, technologies, and applications

The study resulting in total recycling rate of UBCs for Indian cities in 2021 is estimated at 62% which is higher than 2018 study, where it was 54%. Based on the extrapolation of data along with secondary research and consideration of over 1000 cities, (based on Central Pollution Control Board waste recovery data on pan-India level, population Census, and paper recovery rate) in India the overall national recycling percentage is about 45%, implying that for every two UBC, one is recycled.

Hoping such kind of studies will definitely help Tetra Pak to formulate appropriate strategies to enhance the recycling rates of UBCs and help achieve SDGs. This report will also be helpful to policy makers, urban local bodies, think tanks, NGOs and waste processors to understand the scenario of UBCs management and it's potential.