"Lactomangulation, n. [Badly] manhandling the 'open here' spout on a milk carton…”
Rich Hall, comedian
Tetra Pak, a multinational company, revolutionized the food and drink industry with its unique cardboard carton production in the 1940s. It was founded in 1951 by Ruben Pausing (1895-1983) and Erik Wallenberg (1915-1999) in Sweden. Work began in 1943 with development of a new storage medium for milk, which had previously been sold only in glass bottles. The challenge was to provide a hygienic container using minimal materials. Tetra Paks are made from paper, polyethylene, and aluminum foil, arranged in seven layers to create a lightweight product.
The original design, the "Tetra Classic," was launched in 1952. This was a four-sided pyramidal milk container sold in Sweden. Initial responses were very positive and the company continued to refine Its designs with the more familiar rectangular "Brik" carton produced in 1959.
In 1961 the simple addition of an aluminum layer provided the first aseptic package. Tetra Pak also used a short-term, high-temperature sterilization technique that dramatically increased the shelf lives of dairy products and juices, removing the need for refrigeration. It also allowed easier and cheaper transportation of goods across the globe.
Developments continue at Tetra Pak, and many containers of different shapes and sizes are now available. In 2003 the Sensory Straw was launched, a novel take on the drinking straw with a unique four- holed design. The straw causes the drink to squirt into the mouth in four directions, providing a "change in the consumer's drinking experience." Tetra Pak has also branched out into nonliquid packaging.
