Liquid cartons are made, on average, from 75% virgin wood fibre in the form of paperboard, 21% polymers and 4% aluminium. The exact proportions vary depending on whether they are being used for chilled or long-life products.

The very fine aluminium foil layer serves as a barrier to light, aromas, and oxygen, which means the contents can last for months without preservatives or refrigeration. The polymer acts as a water-tight barrier. It is this combination that allows paperboard – a natural, renewable resource – to be used as the main material.

Sweden and Finland provide the majority of wood used to produce paperboard for liquid cartons in Europe. The rest comes from the Baltics, South America and other countries including the UK. All the wood used to manufacture the paperboard used by ACE UK members is traceable to legal and acceptable sources. For more information

Our recycling map will help you find your nearest liquid carton recycling facilities.

No, caps can be left on the carton. Caps are a part of the polymer component of cartons - which can undergo further processing to be turned into new materials as part of the recycling process. However, it is helpful to rinse your carton before recycling as this helps to reduce contamination.

All used liquid cartons collected and sorted separately for processing are sent to a dedicated carton recycling facility. See how they can be recycled here

Cartons do not have a wax coating and can be easily recycled. People often mistake the outer polymer layer for a wax coating.

Contact our recycling team on 01606 530 320 or email enquiries@ace-uk.co.uk and we’ll talk you through how we can help.