Circular economy: Ljubljanske mlekarne is the first in Slovenia to close the internal material loop for Tetra Pak packaging

The activities take place within the framework of the circular economy project for packaging With Tetra Pak packaging for wipes, in which they also participate Tetra Pak, Dana, Mercator and community Eco initiative, Ljubljana dairies however, through cooperation, they strengthen their strategic direction of caring for the environment within the framework of the brand of social responsibility With an ear for tomorrow. "In recent years, the circular economy has become an important topic on the economic floor. I am glad that Ljubljanske mlekarne is also creating trends in this area, and I believe that our example will be followed by other companies that produce packaging residues that can be reused. Listening to the environment is woven into our DNA and the initiative of my colleagues to be the first in Slovenia to start closing the internal material loop in the field of Tetra Pak packaging is just one of many activities with which we seek solutions for effective environmental management. " he said Tomaž Žnidarič, director of Ljubljanske mlekarni.

In Ljubljanske mlekarne since the introduction EMAS certificate, which they received as the first company in the food processing industry, persistently reduce emissions into the environment, they control the consumption of natural resources, and in production facilities they have installed their own purification plants and an established waste separation system. For the production of dairy products in Ljubljanske mlekarne, approximately 160 tons of Tetra Pak packaging waste are generated per year, which are fully integrated into the material loop closing system with the aim of creating recycled raw materials for new products. However, they had to adapt to the new approach of handling Tetra Pak packaging waste: "The material loop for Tetra Pak packaging begins in the production of durable products, where the reel packaging is transformed into a shape familiar to customers and filled with milk or yogurt. " explained Simona Papler, head of ecology at Ljubljanske mlekarne. Tetra Pak packaging waste is processed in a paper mill Lucart, and they arise from them tissues, paper towels and toilet paper, which are returned to Ljubljanske mlekarne, where they are available to employees for daily use.

Emphasis on raising awareness of the importance of proper waste separation to the Project With Tetra Pak packaging for wipes, within the framework of which Ljubljanske mlekarne closed the internal material loop, at the initiative of Tetra Pak two years ago they joined Dana, Mercator and community Eco initiative. The initiative from two years ago has expanded, which they are proud of, emphasizes Igor Prodan from Tetra Pak South Eastern Europe: "We congratulate Ljubljanski mlekarni, because today they are starting a new, pioneering path in the circular economy of Tetra Pak packaging. This also gives us an incentive to further strengthen our activities for a sustainable future. Although our customers are dairies and juice producers, we designed the Tetra Pak to wipes packaging project primarily for the sake of consumers. It is important that they are aware of and understand their role in the circular economy."

Tetra Pak packaging is manufactured from three different types of materials, which make up as many as seven layers. It represents 75 percent cardboard, and the rest plastic mass and aluminum. "When we drink milk or yogurt, the Tetra Pak packaging is only in the middle of its life journey. If the cardboard that makes up the Tetra Pak packaging is properly placed in a yellow container or bag, it is processed in paper mills and completely new products are made from it. The remaining part of the packaging, which consists of plastic mass and aluminum, can be processed into paper towel dispensers. Therefore, it is essential that we are consistent in separating and disposing of waste," said Gregor Cerar, Tetra Pak's environmental advisor.