Problem Statement
This is a mini case on the effects of packaging materials for 500 ml fruit juice. The alternatives are (1) a Glass bottle with a metal cap, (2) an Aluminium can, (3) a Tetra pack, and (4) a plastic bottle with a plastic cap (see Figure 1). The packaging materials are not recovered or recycled but are mostly discarded into the environment except for a minor percentage of glass bottles, aluminium cans and plastic bottles. It is almost cradle-to-grave design in all these four alternatives. The tetra pack is made of a mix of paper, plastic, and aluminium. Tetra packs are difficult to recycle due to the need to separate layers. The lack of recycling infrastructure for this material makes it a poor environmental choice if discarded into the environment. We need a packaging system that is a cradle-to-cradle design and supply chain to protect ourselves, our land, waterways, air, and oceans. Can these packaging materials be upcycled? Millions of litres of fruit juice are packaged and sold in India. What can be done to minimize environmental damage by recovering, recycling, or redesigning the packaging itself, safeguarding the interests of the triple bottom line?