Sofia Martinez
Milk cartons are made of paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminum. Gable-top cartons, found in the refrigerated section, are about 80% paper and 20% plastic, while aseptic cartons, which don't need to be refrigerated, are about 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminum. The recyclability of milk cartons depends on local facilities, as not all recycling programs accept them, and some facilities are unable to separate the different materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | All types of milk cartons are recyclable, but it depends on the local facilities and their capabilities |
| Composition | Milk cartons are made of paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminum |
| Recycling Process | Cartons are sorted, soaked in water, and then separated into paper fibres, plastic, and aluminium linings |
| Recycled Products | Paper fibres are used for paper products like paper towels, tissues, and writing paper; plastic and aluminium are used for building materials or energy |
| Challenges | The mix of materials in milk cartons makes them challenging to recycle; not all local facilities can separate the different layers |
| Environmental Impact | Recycling cartons reduces waste in landfills and extends the useful life of paper fibres |
| Acceptance by Local Facilities | Not all recycling programs accept milk cartons; check with local waste management services |
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What You'll Learn
Milk carton composition: paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminium
Milk cartons are primarily made of paper or paperboard, with a variety of materials used to coat the paperboard and make it waterproof. The first paper milk carton was introduced in 1933, with wax applied to make it waterproof. In 1940, polyethylene was introduced as a waterproofing material. Polyethylene-coated paperboard is used for gable-top cartons, which are often used for liquid products such as milk, juice, and cream.
The pulp used to make paperboard for milk cartons is typically a blend of softwood and hardwood. Softwood provides long wood fibres that give strength to the paperboard, while hardwood has shorter fibres that make it better suited for printing. The wood chips are heated and treated with chemicals to break them down into small bits of wood fibre. The paperboard is then coated with a waterproof material, usually polyethylene, to form a moisture barrier. This process results in a glossy, waterproof finish.
In addition to polyethylene, other materials may be used to coat the paperboard, including wax, foil, and laminates. These coatings help to reduce moisture and oxygen penetration and aid in essential oil retention. Gable-top cartons may also include a plastic liner or cap and a foil laminate.
Some milk cartons may also include aluminium liners, particularly asceptic cartons, which are used for non-refrigerated food items. These cartons are made of paper, plastic, and aluminium, and can be recycled. The aluminium and plastic components are separated from the paper and sent to different mills, where they are turned into new products such as ceiling tiles and wallboard.
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Carton recycling process
Milk cartons are recyclable, and recycling them helps to create a more sustainable future by preserving natural resources, reducing climate impact, and reducing litter. Gable-top cartons, the traditional milk cartons that require refrigeration, are made of paper and plastic liners. Aseptic cartons, which are shelf-stable, are made of paper, plastic, and aluminium liners. Both types of cartons can be recycled.
Before recycling your milk carton, ensure that it is empty, and if it has a straw, tuck the straw inside. If it has a cap, ensure that it is screwed back on to prevent it from becoming litter. Do not flatten the carton.
Once recycled, the cartons are sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). They are sorted, baled, and sent to paper mills and recycling plants. At the paper mills, the cartons are placed in a hydropulper, where the paper is separated from the plastic and aluminium. The pulp is then sent to the mill's paper machine or dried into sheets that are made into paperboard, tissue, and cardboard.
The separated plastic and aluminium are sent to different mills to be turned into new products. For example, they can be used to make ceiling tiles, wallboard, or even energy to fuel the mill. At some recycling plants, the cartons are not separated, and the entire carton is turned into building materials like construction board.
In the United States, most households have access to carton recycling through curbside or drop-off programs. However, it is important to check with your local guidelines, as not all communities may accept cartons for recycling.
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Recyclability depends on local facilities
Milk cartons are designed to be recyclable, but their recyclability depends on the capabilities of your local facilities. Milk cartons are made of paperboard with a thin layer of plastic and sometimes aluminium to keep the liquid inside fresh. This mix of materials is what makes milk cartons a unique challenge when it comes to recycling.
While the paperboard is recyclable, the plastic and aluminium layers must be separated, which some recycling facilities can do, but others might not. The biggest challenge for recyclers is separating these components. The Carton Council, an organisation of leading carton makers, states that there are two ways cartons can be used after being recycled. Cartons can be packed together and sent to a paper mill, where they are put into a giant blender (called a Hydrapulper) to separate the paper from the plastic and aluminium. The resulting paper pulp is used to make paper towels, tissue, and printing paper. The remaining plastic and aluminium are processed further, sometimes being used to create energy or turned into building materials like ceiling tiles, wallboard, and construction board.
However, not all recycling facilities have the necessary equipment to separate these materials. In some cases, the whole carton may be turned into building materials, while others may only recycle the paperboard and send the remaining plastic to a landfill. It is important to check with your local waste management service to find out if they accept milk cartons for recycling. If they do not, you may be able to recycle them through a third-party organisation like the Carton Council.
The recyclability of milk cartons also depends on the type of carton and the materials it is made of. There are two main types of milk cartons: gable top and aseptic. Gable top cartons are generally found in the refrigerated section and are made of paper and a plastic liner. Aseptic cartons, also known as "shelf-stable" cartons, are made of paper, plastic, and often a layer of aluminium. Gable top cartons are about 80% paper and 20% plastic, while aseptic cartons are typically 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminium. The recyclability of these cartons may vary depending on the specific materials and your local facilities.
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Cartons are recycled into building materials
Gable-top cartons, or refrigerated cartons, are made of paper and a plastic liner. Aseptic cartons, or shelf-stable cartons, are made of paper, plastic, and aluminium liners. Both types of cartons can be recycled. After you recycle your cartons, they are sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The cartons are sorted, baled, and sent to paper mills and recycling plants. At paper mills, the paper is separated from the plastic and aluminium. The pulp is sent directly to the mill's paper machine or dried into sheets that are turned into paperboard, tissue, and cardboard.
The plastic and aluminium go to different mills where they are turned into ceiling tiles, wallboard, and sometimes even energy to fuel the mill. At recycling plants, cartons are turned into building materials like construction board without separating the paper, plastic, and aluminium. Recycling cartons reduces waste in landfills and extends the useful life of paper fibres.
Tetra Pak, an Australian company, recycles cartons into low-carbon building materials. They accept all sizes and types of cartons, including aseptic cartons with a foil lining and gable-top cartons without a foil lining. The whole carton is recycled, including the caps and straws, which are used as bonding agents. Heat and compression are used to process the materials, eliminating the need for glues or other chemical additives.
Cartons are mostly made from wood fibre, and some companies are turning them into wooden construction materials. Until recycled content is proven safe for packaging food, this is the best use of wood.
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Tetra Pak cartons and gable tops
Gable top cartons, also known as refrigerated cartons, are made of paper and a plastic liner. Gable top cartons are used to store refrigerated food and drinks such as milk, juice, and cream. Tetra Pak, a company that manufactures gable top cartons, has been supplying to more than 860 brands worldwide in 50 markets, with sales of 7.5 billion cartons annually. Gable top cartons are fully renewable and are made from paperboard and plant-based polymers derived from sugarcane.
Gable top cartons can be recycled and are sent to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) where they are sorted, baled, and sent to paper mills and recycling plants. At the paper mills, the cartons are put in a hydropulper, where the paper is separated from the plastic. The pulp is then sent to a paper machine or dried into sheets that are turned into new products such as paperboard, tissue, and cardboard.
Tetra Pak cartons, such as the Tetra Rex, are an example of gable top cartons. The Tetra Rex was introduced in 1965 and has become a staple item in fridges worldwide. It offers a wide range of shapes, volumes, and formats, providing flexible and sustainable packaging solutions for chilled liquid foods and beverages. The Tetra Rex package is made from paperboard and has up to a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a standard Tetra Rex package. The paperboard used in Tetra Pak cartons is sourced from well-managed forests and other controlled sources, as certified by the FSC™ on-pack label.
It is important to note that when recycling gable top cartons, they should be emptied but not flattened. If the carton has a straw, it should be tucked inside, and if it has a cap, the cap should be screwed back on to prevent it from becoming litter. However, some communities may not accept gable top cartons for recycling, so it is important to check local guidelines. In some cases, gable top cartons may be made of mixed materials such as waxed cardboard and plastic, which can be more challenging to recycle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, milk cartons are recyclable.
Milk cartons are made from a mix of materials, typically paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminum. The challenge for recyclers is separating these components.
First, the cartons are sorted and separated from other recyclables. Then, they are soaked in water to separate the paper fibers from the plastic and aluminum linings. The paper fibers are then cleaned and bleached, turning them into a pulp that can be used to make new paper products. The remaining plastic and aluminum can be further processed to create energy or building materials.
If you are required to separate your recycling by material, milk cartons should typically be included with plastic rather than with paper or cardboard items. This is because the cartons are primarily made of paper with a thin layer of plastic and/or aluminum to keep the liquid inside fresh.
There are two main types of milk cartons: gable top (or refrigerated cartons) and aseptic (or shelf-stable cartons). Both types of cartons can be recycled, but the ability to recycle them depends on your local facilities.
