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The package, known as Tetra Recart, is lighter and made with FSC-certified material which helps to protect the world forests. It can also be recycled, is easier to store at home and environmentally-efficient to transport.  In Germany and Italy, the Tetra Recart has been used for about four years by Bonduelle, where it has proven to be highly popular.

Sainsbury's is the first supermarket to stock the Tetra Recart package made with FSC-certified wood fibre, and will initially use the packaging for its own-label Premium Chopped Tomatoes, which will move out of a tin can weighing 50g, into the lighter 18g packaging.

As the 21st century alternative to canned foods, the Tetra Recart carton reassures Sainsbury's customers that the paperboard used comes from well-managed forests and controlled sources. The package's rectangular shape also reduces carbon footprint, as it is highly efficient during transportation, storage and in distribution, using 33% less space than a can.

As well as being two thirds lighter than a tin can, the carton is recyclable and because Tetra Pak have been investing in putting carton recycling points in supermarket car parks, they can now be recycled.  This means customers will be buying one of the most sustainable packages on supermarket shelves.

The news follows on from moves such as the switch of all Sainsbury's own-brand tissue to FSC-certified sources in early 2007. Sainsbury's ready meals will also soon be moving to all-natural packaging that breaks down in garden compost heaps.

Tetra Pak already sources 100% of its paperboard in Europe from FSC chain-of-custody certified suppliers. The new certification with Sainsbury's means that the entire supply chain - from the forest to the retail shelf - comes from FSC-certified well-managed forests and controlled sources. Overall, 74% of all Tetra Pak cartons are made from a renewable resource.

Stuart Lendrum, Packaging Manager, Sainsbury's said:
"The launch of this type of packaging is another world first for Sainsbury's, as it combines the benefits of lighter and recyclable Tetra Pak packaging with the use of FSC-certified material. We know from a recent LGA (Local Government Association) report that we've already made a lot of progress with our packaging, including a high proportion that can be recycled, but this now helps us to further reduce the weight of packaging. This will make it more efficient for us to transport to our stores, and much easier for our customers to carry home."

Peter Knutsson, Managing Director, Tetra Pak UK & Ireland said:
"Tetra Pak firmly believes that being environmentally responsible is the basis of good business. Launching the world's first FSC-labelled carton for liquid and canned food is a first step in a long and complicated process of having third party certification for the entire value chain for all our packages. Our ultimate goal is to have all the paper in our packaging certified to the highest standard - currently set by the FSC."

Charles Thwaites, Executive Director of FSC UK, said:
"This new package is a boost for responsible forestry practices and it is encouraging to see both Sainsbury's and Tetra Pak taking real steps to make a difference."

Tetra Pak has been active in facilitating and promoting local collection and recycling of used consumer cartons around the world, with a goal of that one out of four cartons sold worldwide should be recycled in 2008. In the UK, recycling facilities are available in more than 70% of local authority areas, following the carton industry's launch of a £1.2m in recycling fund in 2006, and the offer of cost neutral collection solution to any local authority not recycling cartons in 2007.

Tetra Recart facts:

• The new Tetra Pak cartons take up 33% less shelf space than cans, leaving more space in the cupboard.
• The Tetra Recart cartons in Sainsbury's hold FSC certification, showing that the paperboard in it comes from well-managed forests and controlled sources.
• One Tetra Recart carton weighs 18g compared to 50-60g for a comparable tin can or 200g for a glass bottle
• 65% of a Tetra Recart package is made from paper-board, a renewable resource.
• One truck with empty Tetra Recart cartons corresponds to nine trucks with empty cans or glass jars.
• Low weight (18g) and ease of flattening after use leads to low waste volume.
• The Tetra Recart carton gives tomatoes a two-year shelf life.