Food & Beverage Cartons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are they?

Gable top cartons, like milk cartons, are made up of a layer of paperboard sandwiched between two layers of plastic (polyethylene). On average, they are 80 percent paper and 20 percent plastic. Aseptic cartons, like juice boxes, are made from multiple layers of plastic surrounding a paper board layer and a layer of aluminum. They are on average 74 percent paper, 22 percent polyethylene plastic and 4 percent aluminium. The plastic layers allow the mostly paper carton to hold liquids without leaking and the aluminum layer keeps out oxygen and light, allowing aseptic packages to be shelf stable and not require refrigeration. [source]

What is the issue?

Fifty six percent of beverage cartons are returned to SARCAN depots, as compared to 84 percent of overall beverage containers,[source] so a lot of them are ending up in landfills or as litter.

Where do they go?

SARCAN depots accept ready-to-serve beverages in all packages, including cartons. Milk cartons, juice boxes, and other beverage cartons carry a deposit and are redeemable at any SARCAN depot. Generally, carton beverage containers are also accepted in curbside recycling programs.

Cartons that hold liquid food (not beverages), like those for soup and broth, are not accepted by SARCAN. Some communities accept food cartons in their curbside recycling programs, but many do not. Check with your community or search the Waste Reduction Hub for options.

What happens after?

Food and beverage cartons are recycled through a process called hydro pulping. This process separates the layers of paper from the plastic and aluminum. The paper can be made into new products, like office paper and napkins. The aluminum/plastic layers are used to generate energy or become binding. Sometimes whole cartons are recycled into building materials.[source]

How can I reduce?

• bring your own reusable bottle with you to avoid buying drinks on the go
• buy larger containers of juice and use reusable containers for individual servings
• try making your own soup or broth from scratch