Tetra Paks innovation is in the area of aseptic processing liquid food packaging which, when combined with ultra-high-temperature processing (UHT), allows liquid food to be packaged and stored under room temperature conditions for up to a year. This allows for perishable goods to be saved and distributed over greater distances without the need for a cool chain.

Tetra Paks first product was a paper carton used for storing and transporting milk in a package in the shape of a triangular pyramid (or tetrahedron), today called Tetra Classic. Rausing worked on the design since 1943, perfecting techniques for making his cartons fully airtight by 1950. These initial cartons were tetrahedra, leading to the companys name, derived from "four" in the Greek language. The first Tetra Classic package was launched in 1953, and in 1963 the company introduced Tetra Brik, a rectangular cuboid carton. Later, Tetra Pak launched other packaging formats such as Tetra Wedge (wedge-shaped), Tetra Prisma (round octagonal), and Tetra Fino (pouch-shaped). Tetra Pak also produced other non aseptic packaging systems – including Tetra Rex (gable-top), Tetra Top (paper and plastic moulded in one) and the now-discontinued Tetra King

In the 50s Tetra Pak started its fight against glass bottles by introducing polyethylene as plastic coating on the paperboard. The first exported Tetra Pak machine went to Alster Milchwerk of Hamburg, Germany. The range of Tetra Classic machines for tetrahedron-shaped cartons was extended to include the T-150 for milk and still drinks in 200 ml portion packs. In the 60s Tetra Pak expanded into Central America and opened a production plant for packaging material in Mexico. The first aseptic filling machine for bacteria-free milk was also presented. Simultaneously Tetra Pak went east, selling packaging machines to the USSR; tetrahedron-shaped cartons were introduced in the USA.

In the 70s the company expanded into the Far East by opening a plant in Japan and the total annual production of Tetra Pak packages exceeded 10 billion units. A debut was made in the Peoples Republic of China at the Peking Trade Fair and a training centre opened in Nairobi, Kenya; also Tetra Pak Australia started its own plant for packaging material. . Recent innovations have seen the introduction of laminated paper boxes for vegetables as an alternative to tinned goods. It is claimed that this new product, Tetra Recart, allows for more subtle processing of vegetables than canning permits. Since about 2007 some wineries have started selling wines in 500 ml and 1 l Tetra Prisma Aseptic packages with reclosable screw caps. Although unsuited for long-term storage or aging of wines, they save weight and space and eliminate the concerns of glass bottle disposal, saving consumers money.

Ruben Rausings sons Hans and Gad Rausing ran Tetra Pak from 1954 until 1985, taking the company from a seven-person concern to one of Swedens largest corporations. Before his death in 1983, Ruben Rausing was Swedens richest person.

Author: SABINA TAGORE IMMANUEL