So, what actually is TetraPak?

When printmakers talk about TetraPak, we’re talking about those long-life drink cartons you see on supermarket shelves; things like milk, juice, or oat milk that are stored at room temperature rather than in the fridge.

The name ‘TetraPak’ is actually the brand name of the company that makes them. They’ve dominated the market since the 1950s, so their name has basically become shorthand for the material itself.

The word ‘tetra’ comes from the very first carton they made, which was shaped like a tetrahedron. The shape has changed over time, but the name stuck.

The cartons themselves are made from several laminated layers that each serve a purpose. There’s a thick paperboard/cardboard layer for strength, thin layers of plastic that make the carton waterproof, and a very thin aluminium layer that blocks air and light. That aluminium layer is what allows long-life milk and juice to sit on a shelf without spoiling.

And that’s also the layer printmakers are interested in. It’s surprisingly durable, and when you scratch or engrave into it, it holds beautiful detail. That’s why these everyday cartons can be turned into really effective printmaking plates.

One important thing though; not all milk cartons are the same. The cartons you want are the long-life ones from the shelf aisle, the ones with the shiny silver aluminium layer inside. The refrigerated cartons usually don’t have that layer, so they don’t work nearly as well for printmaking.

Curious to see the process? You can find more on my YouTube channel here, including answers to common TetraPak questions and step-by-step printing.

Love,

Negin Maddock
@negindesigns