With new technologies driving efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability improvements
State-of-the-art technology from Tetra Pak, a global leader in food packaging and processing solutions, is helping food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers in the Philippines achieve greater efficiency while addressing key sustainability challenges, from energy efficiency to water conservation.
Cost Reduction Through Energy Efficient Processing
Energy-intensive operations are a major expense for many F&B producers. Tetra Pak tube and plate heat exchangers provide a solution, helping businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining strict hygiene standards.
“Our advanced heat exchanger technology is designed to improve energy efficiency, resulting in up to 40% reduction in electricity costs with our new tube heat exchanger design,” Tony Mehrtens, Tetra Pak’s Processing Director for Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, said. “These reductions translate into lower production costs and align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.”
Mehrtens stressed that many F&B companies in the Philippines have adopted Tetra Pak’s heat exchange technology, reaping the benefits of reduced operating costs and improved compliance with strict food safety regulations.
New Water Recovery Methods That Support Sustainable Operations
Water scarcity and wastewater management remain pressing issues in the Philippines and often account for a large portion of production costs for F&B companies. Tetra Pak addresses these challenges with its advanced water recovery systems, which allow manufacturers to reuse water within their production processes. By removing impurities such as sediment and balancing high pH levels, these systems facilitate water reuse, significantly reducing water consumption.
In a study, a Tetra Pak customer reduced water usage by 95%, saving 22 million gallons per year. “This technology is very flexible to the needs of Filipino producers and can be adjusted to meet specific production needs and environmental conditions in the Philippines, offering the opportunity to significantly reduce water costs while reducing the environmental impact of wastewater disposal,” said Mehrtens.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Packaging
As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, Tetra Pak is responding with new packaging materials, prioritizing renewable and reusable materials. The company’s beverage cartons are made with over 70% paper content sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council.-certified forests.
“We are investing heavily in plant-based materials such as polymers made from sugarcane and increasing the use of recycled materials in our packaging. These efforts are part of our desire to create the most sustainable packaging in the world,” added Mehrtens.
Tetra Pak has made strides in promoting recycling in the Philippines through programs such as the Cartons for Communities program. This collaboration with the Del Monte Foundation turns used beverage cartons (UBCs) into useful items such as chairs and tables. As part of the program, Tetra Pak established UBC collection points across the country in supermarkets, homes, schools and grocery stores.
Mehrtens highlighted the company’s significant investment in innovation. The company plans to allocate 100 million euros (P6.379 billion) over the next five to ten years to further reduce the use of plastic and aluminum and increase the fiber content of its packaging materials.
Promoting Sustainability in the Philippine F&B Sector
Beyond packaging and processing technology, Tetra Pak provides year-end solutions to help F&B businesses achieve their sustainability goals. Mehrtens emphasizes that “we support our partners in creating sustainable roads, reducing CO2 emissions, and improving recycling efforts to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.”
With over 70 years of industry experience, Tetra Pak continues to empower Filipino manufacturers with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the green transition. “Sustainability is not just about reducing environmental impact—it’s about equipping businesses to thrive in a competitive and conscious marketplace,” Mehrtens said.
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