A 1944 patent for a plastic-coated carton tetrahedron marked the turning point in the career of Swedish industrialist Ruben Rausing. While working within the printing industry, he identified a need for more efficient liquid food containers, leading him to transform retail packaging through innovations that eventually gained a global presence.
Early Career and Education
Born Anders Ruben Andersson in 1895 in Råå, he later adopted the name Rausing. After attending school in Helsingborg, he studied at the Stockholm School of Economics and Business Administration, graduating in 1918. A scholarship allowed him to attend Columbia University in New York City, where he earned an MSc in Economics in 1920. During this period, he observed self-service grocery stores, a retail system not yet established in Europe.
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Upon returning to Sweden, Rausing worked at Stockholms Enskilda Bank and later at the printing firm Sveriges Litografiska Tryckerier. In 1929, he partnered with Erik Åkerlund to establish Åkerlund & Rausing in Malmö, the first packaging company in Scandinavia. The firm initially focused on dry food cartons. Rausing assumed sole ownership in 1933 after Åkerlund sold his shares.
The Development of Tetra Pak
Seeking a replacement for heavy glass bottles, Rausing invested heavily in liquid food packaging technology. The company introduced the plastic-coated tetrahedron container in 1944. Sales of machinery began in 1952 to a local dairy, Lundabygdens Mejeri. Despite initial challenges, the company expanded into Germany, France, and Italy during the mid-1950s. The commercial breakthrough occurred in 1963 with the Tetra Brik, followed by the debut of the Tetra Brik Aseptic package in 1968, which facilitated global reach.
Later Years and Legacy
Rausing moved to Rome in 1969 for tax reasons but maintained his home at Simontorp, near Lund. He received honorary doctorates from Lund University in 1957, the Stockholm School of Economics and Business Administration in 1959, and the Royal Institute of Technology in 1977. Additionally, he held membership in the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. He died in Blentarp in 1983.
Fast facts
- Born: 1895, Råå, Sweden
- Died: 1983, Blentarp, Sweden
- Education: Stockholm School of Economics, Columbia University
- Primary innovation: Plastic-coated carton tetrahedron
- Key subsidiary: Åkerlund & Rausing
- Major product: Tetra Brik Aseptic
Questions readers ask
How did Ruben Rausing change his name?
He was born Anders Ruben Andersson but changed his surname to Rausing in 1921, inspired by a nickname given to him during military service.
What academic honors did Rausing receive?
He was awarded honorary doctorates from Lund University in 1957, the Stockholm School of Economics in 1959, and the Royal Institute of Technology in 1977.
Achievements
- honorary doctorate of Lund University — 1957
- Educated at Stockholm School of Economics and Columbia University
