Tetra Pak Highlights Role of Technology in School Feeding Programmes
On World School Milk Day, Tetra Pak explains how UHT and aseptic packaging ensure safe milk reaches millions of children without refrigeration.
On the occasion of World School Milk Day, Tetra Pak has underscored the critical importance of advanced technology in ensuring that safe and nutritious food reaches children in diverse environments. Drawing from over six decades of experience, the company highlighted how specialized processing and packaging are essential to the success of global school feeding initiatives.
A Legacy of Nutrition and Innovation
Tetra Pak's involvement in school nutrition is not a recent development; it dates back to 1962. The journey began in Mexico, where the company's pioneering Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) technology allowed safe milk to be distributed in areas where refrigeration was unavailable. This breakthrough paved the way for large-scale nutrition programs that do not rely on a continuous cold chain.
The impact of this technology is immense. In the 2025 school year, an estimated 68 million children across 52 different countries received milk or other nutritious beverages packaged in Tetra Pak containers. This massive scale demonstrates the practical utility of their systems in supporting governments, NGOs, and UN agencies in delivering essential nutrition to students.
The Science of Safety: UHT and Aseptic Packaging
The ability to store milk without a refrigerator is made possible through a combination of two rigorous processes:
- UHT Processing: This involves applying high temperatures to the milk for a very short duration under strictly validated conditions. This process achieves commercial sterility, making the milk safe for consumption.
- Aseptic Filling: Once processed, the milk is filled into sterilized packaging within a completely sterile (aseptic) environment.
When these two steps are executed correctly, the milk remains safe to drink until the package is opened, provided it is stored and handled according to the specific instructions provided.
An Integrated System for Global Reach
While the principle of UHT technology is simple, the execution requires extreme precision. Edward Enrico Kasim, Services Director for Tetra Pak across Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia (MSPI), emphasized that technology alone is not a silver bullet.
"Making safe, high-quality UHT milk available at scale depends on more than the technology itself. It requires an integrated system, from hygienic design and validated processing to aseptic filling, quality controls and skilled operations, all working together to help protect the intended quality and safety of the product, wherever it needs to reach."
Kasim further explained that every single link in the value chain must be consistent. This includes the careful management of raw materials, the use of hygienic equipment, robust quality controls, and ensuring the integrity of the packaging during distribution. He also noted that proper handling after the package has been opened is vital for maintaining safety.
Commitment to Future Food Security
Tetra Pak positions UHT milk as a vital component of a diverse dairy ecosystem, designed to complement existing milk formats rather than replace them. By working closely with various stakeholders, the company aims to tackle the logistical challenges of food distribution in varied climates and economic settings.
The ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure that safe food is available everywhere, protecting both people and the planet through technological excellence and collaborative global efforts.