Tetra Pak has updated its Approach to Nature framework, originally launched in 2024, sharpening focus on upstream activities where its most significant environmental impacts occur. The revised framework spans four areas — Upstream, Operations, Downstream, and Transform — and sets targets including a 10% reduction in water withdrawal by 2030 at high-impact supplier sites and using geographic information systems to verify deforestation-free sourcing. The company also reports it is ahead of schedule on reducing volatile organic compound emissions by 50% against a 2019 baseline, a target originally set for 2030.
In-Depth:
Tetra Pak has refreshed its Approach to Nature framework for responsible sourcing and water resilience, directing resources towards high impact materials, locations and supplier sites with ‘clearer expectations’ for traceability, verification and measurable outcomes.
Launched in 2024, the framework sets out over 20 tarreceives across the value chain aiming to halt and reverse nature loss, restore ecosystems and enhance global water security, in alignment with international biodiversity goals. Drawing on insights gained from its rollout, the company has updated the framework to strengthen emphasis on upstream activities, where the company’s most significant nature impacts and depconcludeencies occur.
Tetra Pak states that its Approach to Nature will still be structured around four key areas – Upstream, Operations, Downstream and Transform – but will now include tarreceiveed revisions to selected goals, such as applying geographic information systems to verify the deforestation-free status of high-priority sourcing locations and reducing total water withdrawal by 10% by 2030, at suppliers with the highest water-related impacts. It also covers efforts to support the transition to a circular economy such as improved product design and performance, more efficient equipment and an optimized approach to collection, recycling and waste management.
The company adds that the updates strengthen responsible sourcing practices, sourcing 100% of the paper-based materials utilized in its products from FSC certified and other controlled sources, and 100% of plant-based polymers as Bonsucro certified. Tetra Pak claims it is delivering ahead of schedule on air pollution reduction, meeting its 2030 tarreceive to reduce volatile organic compound emissions across its production sites by 50% against a 2019 baseline.
The updated Approach to Nature also includes collaborating closely with suppliers, engaging Tetra Pak’s supplier base in nature‑related impact assessments and establishing relevant procurement requirements. The company aims to advance action on water resilience through ensuring high-impact suppliers report on water quality and quantity, while introducing tarreceive requirements to reduce water withdrawal intensity at those supplier sites.
In March, we examined how the top six FMCG signatories of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF)’s Global Commitment have performed and the initiatives they took in the reporting period of 2024-2025 to cut plastic waste and pollution across their portfolios. We outline each key metric set out by the Commitment, how each of the signatories – The Coca-Cola Company, L’Oreal, Mars, Inc., Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever – have approached these and the progress they have built.
More recently, Helen Chepkemoi Too, senior director markets at FSC International, detailed how rapidly evolving geopolitical realities and consumer expectations are affecting sustainability initiatives in the paper and pulp sector. She highlights that despite the difficulties with traceability, responsible sourcing backed by robust certification and assurance offers ‘a credible pathway forward’ even in the most complex supply chains.
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