Fully renewable packaging made from sugarcane and paperboard.

Brakes and dairy supplier, Yew Tree Dairy have announced a new initiative that will see the UK’s leading foodservice supplier become the first wholesaler in the country to sell milk in plant-based packaging.

The new Tetra Rex® plant-based carton is the world’s first fully renewable and recyclable beverage carton.  It is made from sustainably sourced paperboard and plant-based plastics derived from sugarcane, accredited to Bonsucro certification for sustainably sourced sugarcane.  Both plants absorb carbon as they grow, removing it from the atmosphere.  Once the sugarcane is harvested, it is crushed and the juice turned into ethanol, which is made into a polymer.

The new packaging is recyclable within the UK. The paper fibres are turned into new paper products and the plant-based plastics are recycled into products such as reusable crates.

Stuart Smith, Merchandising Director at Brakes, said: “We’re committed to supporting our customers to become more sustainable, through the way that we operate and the products that we supply. We were the first wholesaler to remove black plastics and are delighted that we are now the first wholesaler to introduce fully renewable milk packaging.  It demonstrates Brakes’ CSR commitment to sourcing products responsibly, respecting the planet and caring for people and aligns with parent-company Sysco, which has publicly-stated commitments to reduce the waste generated through its direct operations globally.”

Carl Woodcock of family-run Yew Tree Dairies: “We have a very long-standing and exclusive relationship with Brakes in foodservice, where we’ve worked side-by-side for many years.  We’re therefore particularly pleased to be launching this new innovation with them.  Sustainability and transparency are two things which are at the core of our business and the new pack is testament to our commitment in this area.”

Dragan Rajkovic, Sustainability Director at Tetra Pak: “With the microscope firmly on packaging materials, we’ve been delighted to work with Brakes and Yew Tree Dairy to introduce the Tetra Rex packaging for milk.  We have looked at each part of the supply chain to ensure that we have created packaging, which is not only fully renewable, but also stands up to the rigours of the supply chain.”