What are milk cartons made from?

In the United States, milk cartons are typically made of either paper or plastic. Paper cartons are composed of a multi-layered structure consisting of several different materials, including:

- Paperboard

- Polyethylene (PE)

- Aluminum foil

- Wax

- Adhesives

Paper cartons are manufactured by laminating these materials together in a specific order. The paperboard provides strength and rigidity, the polyethylene creates a barrier against moisture and oxygen, the aluminum foil reflects light and protects the milk from heat, and the wax helps to seal the carton and prevent leaks.

Plastic cartons, also known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottles, are made from a type of plastic that is strong, lightweight, and recyclable. HDPE bottles are typically used for milk sold in gallon containers.

Recycling

In most recycling programs, milk cartons are collected and recycled along with other paper and cardboard products. Plastic milk cartons can also be recycled, although they may require special collection or sorting processes.

Recycling milk cartons helps to conserve natural resources, such as trees and oil, and reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills.