Tetra Pak has updated its nature framework, strengthening its approach to responsible sourcing and water resilience. The changes result from the experience gathered over two years of implementing this model across the value chain and are intended to better target action where the company can achieve the greatest positive effect while reducing its most significant impacts on nature. First launched in 2024, the approach includes more than 20 targets guiding action to halt and reverse nature loss, restore ecosystems and enhance global water security, in line with international biodiversity goals. After reviewing the experience gained so far, the company decided to refine its priorities by concentrating resources on materials, locations and supplier sites of the greatest environmental significance. At the same time, it defined clearer requirements for traceability, verification and measurable outcomes.
The updated approach remains structured around four action areas covering the entire value chain, upstream, operations, downstream and transform, but places stronger emphasis on activities carried out in the earlier stages of the supply chain. This is where Tetra Pak identifies its most significant dependencies on natural resources and its greatest environmental impacts. Selected revisions include the use of geographic information systems to verify that priority sourcing locations are deforestation-free, as well as a target to reduce total water withdrawal by 10% by 2030 at suppliers with the highest water-related impacts.
Stronger focus on execution and collaboration
Francesca Priora, Vice President Climate & Nature at Tetra Pak, said: "Two years of implementation have given us a much clearer picture. The update to our Approach to Nature reflects a shift towards more precise execution, focused on the areas where action can deliver the greatest effect across the value chain.Our industry relies heavily on nature to shape sustainable and secure food systems for the future. As we move towards the next milestones, collaboration remains critical. By working closely with suppliers, customers and partners, we aim to protect key ecosystems and help strengthen the resilience of food systems."
The framework also includes measures to support the transition to a circular economy through improvements in product design and performance, greater equipment efficiency, and an optimised approach to collection, recycling and waste management.
Alexander Nick, Senior Director Climate and Nature at WBCSD, also commented on the changes. He said: "Tetra Pak’s updated Approach to Nature reflects an effort to translate ambition into clearer priorities and action across its value chain. By recognising interdependencies across different sustainability areas and taking stock of implementation experience, the company is strengthening the focus of its approach over time. WBCSD welcomes this willingness to review and adapt actions, sharpen priorities, learn from practice, and align corporate action with the shared global ambition to halt and reverse nature loss."
Key outcomes since the programme was launched
According to Tetra Pak, the more targeted approach builds on implementation insights and on concrete progress achieved since the framework was launched in 2024. The company points to several areas where measurable results have already been delivered.
- Close collaboration with suppliers, covering the entire supplier base with nature-related impact assessments and establishing relevant procurement requirements.
- Strengthening responsible sourcing practices, including sourcing 100% of the paper-based materials used in its products from FSC-certified or other controlled sources, as well as 100% of plant-based polymers as Bonsucro-certified.
- Expanding action on water resilience, including reporting by the highest-impact suppliers on water quality and quantity and introducing target requirements to reduce water withdrawal intensity at those sites.
- Achieving ahead of schedule the target related to air pollution reduction by cutting volatile organic compound emissions at production sites by 50% compared with the 2019 baseline, which means meeting the 2030 target early.
The update indicates that the company intends to continue focusing its efforts on areas where measurable environmental effects can be achieved, both in raw materials and suppliers, and in product design and the organisation of packaging collection and recycling processes.
