International packaging company Tetra Pak has signed a supply agreement with Braskem for its sugarcane-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which will be used in all Tetra Pak packages produced in Brazil.

The biobased LDPE supply is scheduled to start during the first quarter of 2014 and will be used as a component of Tetra Pak’s packages produced in Brazil. The packaging materials will have renewable-based components of up to 82%. Tetra Pak said about 13bn biobased packages will be produced in Brazil.

Braskem said the LDPE made from sugarcane has the same technical properties as LDPE made from fossil sources. Braskem biopolymers are marketed under the trademark I´m green™. The company announced last month that it is planning to expand its 200 ktpy bio-PE production in Rio Grande do Sul with a 30 ktpy line producing sugarcane-based LDPE. The biobased LDPE is expected to be available in the market starting January 2014.

Tetra Pak claimed to be the first liquid food packaging supplier to use bio-based plastic in its packaging, launching Tetra Brik® Aseptic packages with StreamCap™ 1000 produced with bio-based high density polyethylene (HDPE) supplied by Braskem in 2011. Earlier this month the company announced global availability of a bio-based version of LightCap™ 30, which uses HDPE made from sugar cane.

TINE, a leading dairy producer, distributor and exporter, based in Norway, is the first brand in Europe to use these biobased caps. Its Piano vanilla sauce, TINE iced coffee, iced tea and chocolate milk will be packaged in the Tetra Brik Aseptic Edge with bio-based LightCap 30.