Ake Gustafson, inventor of modern Tetra Pak drinks, dies
Under Ake Gustafson's leadership, the stackable, rectangular-shaped Tetra Brik was developed and launched in 1963.
28 Jan 2025 | By WhatPackaging? Team
Gustafson died on 19 December 2024 in Switzerland, aged 101
Ake Gustafson, the inventor of the modern Tetra Pak drink carton, passed away on 19 December 2024 in Switzerland, aged 101. He was born on 1 May 1923 in Sweden.
He joined Tetra Pak in 1958 when the company still produced tetrahedron-shaped milk cartons. This was a critical period in the company’s history. He was tasked with addressing organisational and technical inefficiencies, implementing structured reporting systems, and resolving challenges. His leadership was instrumental in developing the Tetra Brik, which transformed liquid food packaging.
In 1959, recognising the limitations of the triangular tetrahedron design, Gustafson began exploring rectangular alternatives. Despite internal resistance, he persuaded the management to approve the project, paving the way for the Tetra Brik. Faced with competition from Norwegian firm Elopak and its gable-top packaging, Gustafson drove innovation under intense pressure. He ensured the new design was compatible with standard European pallets, improving transport and storage efficiency.
The Tetra Brik was launched in Motala, Sweden, in 1963 amid significant technical and public challenges. Engineers worked tirelessly to resolve production issues, including leaks and machine failures, while customers like the Milk Centre showed patience and support. Despite financial strains, Gustafson delivered a functional system by 1964, securing the company’s future.
The Tetra Brik’s compact and stackable design changed milk distribution, making it a cornerstone of automated food handling. Gustafson’s vision cemented Tetra Pak’s place in the global industry.
Gustafson settled in the canton of Fribourg in 1965. According to La Liberté, a Canadian newspaper, he insulated his house with Tetra Pak packaging material in Châtel-St-Denis, where he spent the rest of his life.
He also acquired Sokymat in 1977, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. The company manufactured coils for small motors, and he restarted it. In 2003, Swedish group Assa Abloy took over the company.