Overpacked? A case study on aseptic packed beverages
(2024) MTTM01 20241Packaging Logistics
- Abstract
- Introduction: The current Tetra Brik Aseptic packaging contains a polyethylene-aluminium layer that is difficult to recycle. Alternative materials have been explored to eliminate this aluminium layer, resulting in reduced carbon emissions but a 30% shorter shelf life. This trade-off raises concerns about potential increases in food waste due to reduced shelf life. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between shelf life and food waste for long-life foods, contributing to a more optimal packaging design.
Method: The research was conducted through an exploratory case study on ultra-high-temperature treated plant-based beverages in aseptic packaging. The system boundary included the food manufacturer and retailer levels.... (More) - Introduction: The current Tetra Brik Aseptic packaging contains a polyethylene-aluminium layer that is difficult to recycle. Alternative materials have been explored to eliminate this aluminium layer, resulting in reduced carbon emissions but a 30% shorter shelf life. This trade-off raises concerns about potential increases in food waste due to reduced shelf life. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between shelf life and food waste for long-life foods, contributing to a more optimal packaging design.
Method: The research was conducted through an exploratory case study on ultra-high-temperature treated plant-based beverages in aseptic packaging. The system boundary included the food manufacturer and retailer levels. Data was gathered through a literature review, database searches, and semi-structured interviews with supply chain representatives and retailers.
Results:
1. The current total shelf life requirement is 12 months, with the remaining shelf life set at 75% of the total. This is to allow flexibility for logistics and sales, and is based on historical precedents.
2. Insignificant amount of food waste was found due to expiry at both the food manufacturer and retail levels.
3. The 12-month total shelf life is not fully utilized, indicating overpacking. Understanding the necessary shelf life allows for appropriate use of packaging material that provides sufficient protection without increasing product waste.
Conclusion: Packaging design and materials should be selected to accommodate the necessary shelf life. Further research can be conducted to include consumer behaviour, further geographical areas, and a wider range of product categories. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- The oat drink added to coffee can currently be stored for up to one year without refrigeration, provided it remains unopened. This extended shelf life is achieved through aseptic processing and packaging, where the oat drink is sterilized under very high heat and packed in layers of paper, plastic, and aluminium. These layers act as a barrier against light and oxygen, preventing spoilage for up to one year. However, this packaging is difficult to recycle due to the challenge of separating the layers.
Tetra Pak, a global packaging company, has developed a more environmentally friendly material that excludes the aluminium layer. This new material generates fewer carbon emissions but has a trade-off of 30% less shelf life. This raise... (More) - The oat drink added to coffee can currently be stored for up to one year without refrigeration, provided it remains unopened. This extended shelf life is achieved through aseptic processing and packaging, where the oat drink is sterilized under very high heat and packed in layers of paper, plastic, and aluminium. These layers act as a barrier against light and oxygen, preventing spoilage for up to one year. However, this packaging is difficult to recycle due to the challenge of separating the layers.
Tetra Pak, a global packaging company, has developed a more environmentally friendly material that excludes the aluminium layer. This new material generates fewer carbon emissions but has a trade-off of 30% less shelf life. This raise concerns that the shorter shelf life may lead to increased food waste.
To explore the relationship between food waste and shelf life, a case study on plant-based beverages was conducted. An extensive literature review and interviews with representatives from the plant-based beverage industry were performed. The findings revealed that the 12-month shelf life is not fully utilized, with a surplus of 4 months. Additionally, food waste due to expiration is negligible. Therefore, it is suggested that plant-based beverages may not require a 12-month shelf life, allowing the use of the more environmentally friendly material. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9163698
- author
- Hor, Vivian Sin Yi LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MTTM01 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Shelf life, food waste, food packaging, sustainability
- language
- English
- id
- 9163698
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-19 16:38:59
- date last changed
- 2024-06-19 16:38:59
@misc{9163698,
abstract = {{Introduction: The current Tetra Brik Aseptic packaging contains a polyethylene-aluminium layer that is difficult to recycle. Alternative materials have been explored to eliminate this aluminium layer, resulting in reduced carbon emissions but a 30% shorter shelf life. This trade-off raises concerns about potential increases in food waste due to reduced shelf life. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between shelf life and food waste for long-life foods, contributing to a more optimal packaging design.
Method: The research was conducted through an exploratory case study on ultra-high-temperature treated plant-based beverages in aseptic packaging. The system boundary included the food manufacturer and retailer levels. Data was gathered through a literature review, database searches, and semi-structured interviews with supply chain representatives and retailers.
Results:
1. The current total shelf life requirement is 12 months, with the remaining shelf life set at 75% of the total. This is to allow flexibility for logistics and sales, and is based on historical precedents.
2. Insignificant amount of food waste was found due to expiry at both the food manufacturer and retail levels.
3. The 12-month total shelf life is not fully utilized, indicating overpacking. Understanding the necessary shelf life allows for appropriate use of packaging material that provides sufficient protection without increasing product waste.
Conclusion: Packaging design and materials should be selected to accommodate the necessary shelf life. Further research can be conducted to include consumer behaviour, further geographical areas, and a wider range of product categories.}},
author = {{Hor, Vivian Sin Yi}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Overpacked? A case study on aseptic packed beverages}},
year = {{2024}},
}