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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Aseptic boxes, milk cartons

Journal Article · · Waste Age; (United States)
OSTI ID:5991774

This profile covers aseptic boxes and paper milk cartons because they are collected together in recycling programs, but statistics are given separately for each product. Aseptic boxes, more commonly known as drink boxes, are used for fruit juices and milk. Aseptic processing involves a high-temperature/short-time treatment in which liquid products are heated quickly to a temperature at which sterilization occurs. The product is then cooled and placed in a sterile container. By weight, aseptic boxes are 70% paper (used for stiffness and strength), 24% polyethylene (used in four different layers to seal the package liquid-tight), and 6% aluminum foil (used as a barrier against air and light). By weight, milk cartons are 80% paper and 20% polyethylene.

OSTI ID:
5991774
Journal Information:
Waste Age; (United States), Journal Name: Waste Age; (United States) Vol. 24:9; ISSN WAGEAE; ISSN 0043-1001
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English