"Sustainability remains at the heart of Tetra Pak's strategy"

In an exclusive interaction, Cassio Simões, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, talks about how conversations are moving from 'more efficient', to 'more efficient and sustainable'

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Sustainability has been a stated priority for Tetra Pak. What will be your focus areas in India?

Sustainability remains at the heart of Tetra Pak’s strategy. Our holistic approach spans five interconnected areas: food systems, circularity, climate, nature, and social sustainability, where we can make a meaningful impact. We are working on increasing the fibre content in our packages to make them more renewable while also ensuring responsible sourcing of our raw materials. We are also innovating on the equipment side to help customers reduce their water, energy, and product wastage.

In India too, our priority is to ensure that safe food reaches everyone, in a way that minimises impact on the planet. In addition, we have been nurturing a strong collection and recycling ecosystem and doing voluntary EPR (extended producer responsibility) in India for nearly 20 years.

Over the past three years, we have invested over Rs 25 crore on strengthening this value chain. We are committed to significantly increasing our collection and recycling rates and will increase our investments as well to support our ambition.

We will continue to work hard on raising awareness about recycling among consumers, the value of paper-based cartons among waste workers and to identify new recyclers, waste management companies who share our common ambition.

Lastly, we will continue to work on programmes to support the vulnerable waste-workers communities with better education, health and additional livelihood opportunities.

Decarbonisation is fast becoming a priority for organisations. What’s the role of a company like Tetra Pak?