Tetra Pak’s Founder: Ruben Rausing
Ruben Rausing was a Swedish engineer and entrepreneur who revolutionized the packaging industry. He is best known for founding Tetra Pak, a multinational food packaging and processing company.
Rausing’s innovative idea was to create a carton that could be used to package liquid food products, such as juice and milk. He developed the first carton packaging machine in 1951, which used a tetrahedral-shaped carton that could be formed, filled, and sealed in one continuous process.
Tetra Pak’s carton packaging technology quickly gained popularity, and the company expanded globally. Today, Tetra Pak is one of the largest packaging companies in the world, with operations in over 160 countries.
Rausing’s legacy extends beyond his business achievements. He was a pioneer in sustainable packaging and was committed to reducing waste and environmental impact throughout his career.
In recognition of his contributions to the packaging industry, Rausing received numerous awards and honors, including the Swedish Engineering Academy’s Gold Medal. He also received a substantial gratuity, estimated to be around 10 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $1.1 billion USD), which he received when he sold a significant portion of his Tetra Pak shares in the 1990s.
Rausing passed away in 1983, but his legacy continues to inspire innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry.