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Global packaging supplier Elopak has begun sourcing low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable electricity for its European carton manufacturing operations, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging portfolio.
The low-carbon aluminium is now being incorporated into Elopak's standard ambient cartons produced at facilities in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ukraine. The transition delivers an immediate 8% reduction in the carbon footprint of the company's standard aluminium-based ambient cartons.
According to cradle-to-gate calculations, the carbon footprint of a standard aseptic Pure-Pak carton has been reduced from 53g CO₂e to 49g CO₂e per carton following the switch.
Emilie Olderskog, global head of sustainability at Elopak, said: "By sourcing aluminium produced with renewable electricity, we are taking another concrete step in reducing the climate impact of our packaging materials."
Aluminium remains an important component in ambient carton packaging, providing an effective barrier against light and oxygen while enabling aseptic sealing. These characteristics help extend product shelf life and minimise food waste without the need for preservatives.
"The introduction of low-carbon aluminium delivers an immediate and measurable reduction in the footprint of our standard ambient cartons, while allowing us to retain the functional properties that are critical for food protection and shelf life," Olderskog added.
Alongside its standard carton range, Elopak offers Pure-Pak eSense, an aluminium-free aseptic carton designed for ambient distribution. The company says the solution can support further emissions reductions while enhancing recycling performance.
Elopak also noted that it works exclusively with members of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which promotes responsible aluminium sourcing and environmental performance standards throughout the value chain. The company continues to invest in material innovation and design improvements aimed at increasing the recyclability of its cartons.
Across its global operations, including manufacturing sites and offices, Elopak operates using 100% renewable electricity. The company has also introduced cartons incorporating recycled polymers, an innovation launched in 2025 to help customers prepare for the European Union's upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements.
As sustainability expectations from regulators, retailers and consumers continue to evolve, Elopak said it remains focused on strengthening the environmental performance of its packaging portfolio through lower-emission materials, efficient resource use and improved recyclability.
Founded in Norway in 1957, Elopak supplies paper-based packaging solutions under the Pure-Pak, D-PAK and Roll Fed brands, alongside filling machines and related services.
The company operates in more than 70 countries, employs over 3,000 people worldwide, and has established Science-Based Targets aligned with a 1.5°C emissions reduction pathway for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, alongside a net-zero commitment by 2050.
