# Plant-Based Cartons This Sustainable Packaging Design is Made from Sugar Cane and Wood By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-10-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-packaging-design References: [ambalaj.se](http://ambalaj.se/2014/10/20/100-plant-based/) & [tetrapak](http://www.tetrapak.com/packages/chilled-packages/tetra-rex) Tetra Rex is a sustainable packaging design from [Tetra Pak](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetra-brik-aseptic-200-slim-leaf-carton) that is entirely made from plant-based materials. What the carton is made up of includes layers of sugar cane and [Forest Stewardship Council](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-milk-packaging) ([FSC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-based-canister)) certified paperboard wood, which means that it is the first of its kind to use bio-based, low-density polyethylene film and bio-based high-density polyethylene caps in its design. Although the shape of the carton design remains unchanged, the change in material alone has the potential to make a huge difference when it comes to the environment. The eco-friendly Tetra Rex carton is being introduced in four different models that are ideal for containing chilled products, including the Base Plus, Max, Mid and Slim—ranging from 237 ml. to 2000 ml. in size, all of which are fully recyclable as usual. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Packaging:** The introduction of Tetra Rex carton, made from plant-based materials like sugar cane and FSC certified paperboard wood, presents opportunities for further innovation in creating biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions. - **Bio-based Plastics:** The use of low-density polyethylene film and high-density polyethylene caps made from bio-based materials in the Tetra Rex carton creates opportunities for developing new types of plastic and exploring bio-based alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. - **Product Innovation:** The introduction of Tetra Rex carton in four different models for containing chilled products (Base Plus, Max, Mid and Slim) inspires opportunities for new product development and diversification in the food and beverage industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Packaging Industry:** The Tetra Rex carton presents an opportunity for companies in the packaging industry to develop more sustainable packaging materials and reduce their carbon footprint. - **Plastic Manufacturing Industry:** The shift towards bio-based plastics presents an opportunity for companies in the plastic manufacturing industry to explore new materials and manufacturing processes, as well as addressing the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics. - **Food and Beverage Industry:** The introduction of Tetra Rex carton models for containing chilled products inspires innovation opportunities and diversification in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the plant-based and sustainable sectors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aseptic Eco Beverage Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetra-brik-aseptic-200-slim-leaf-carton.md) - [Sustainable Carton-Style Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elopak-paperboard.md) - [Plant-Based Beverage Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-pet-bottle.md) - [Bio-Based Paper Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-food-packaging.md) - [Ergonomic Eco-Friendly Drink Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetra-prisma-aseptic-300-edge.md) - [Plant-Based Milk Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-milk-packaging.md) - [Plant-Based Plastic Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-pet-bottle.md) - [Separating Eco Carton Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bruk-sustainable-packaging-design.md) - [Sustainable Supplement Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchstone-essentials-packaging.md)