Elopak has introduced low-carbon aluminum use in carton production across its European operations, a move that lowers the carbon footprint of its standard aluminium ambient cartons by eight per cent. The company said the material, produced using renewable electricity, is now being used in standard ambient cartons manufactured at its facilities in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ukraine. Based on cradle-to-gate calculations, the change reduces the carbon footprint of a standard aseptic Pure-Pak carton from 53 to 49 g CO2e per carton.
Commenting on the development, 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. 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.” Aluminium remains a key component in ambient cartons because it provides protection against light and oxygen while supporting aseptic sealing. These characteristics help extend shelf life and reduce food waste without the need for preservatives. Olderskog added, “Multiple life-cycle assessments have shown that, in many applications, our liquid packaging cartons can have a lower carbon footprint than plastic packaging formats. At Elopak, we continue to improve the environmental performance of our cartons and work with our customers as they seek to reduce the climate impact of their packaged products.”
Before the transition, a standard ambient Pure-Pak carton carried a carbon footprint of 53 g CO2e per carton. Following the adoption of the new material, that figure has been reduced to 49 g CO2e per carton. In addition to this initiative, Elopak offers Pure-Pak eSense, an aluminium-free aseptic carton developed for ambient distribution, which the company says can contribute to further emissions reductions while improving recycling performance. The company also works exclusively with members of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), an organisation that establishes standards for responsible aluminium sourcing and environmental performance. Elopak stated that it continues to advance carton recyclability through ongoing material design and innovation efforts.
Across its manufacturing sites and offices, Elopak operates using 100 per cent renewable electricity. The company noted that it introduced cartons containing recycled polymers in 2025 to support readiness for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). As regulatory requirements and customer expectations continue to evolve, Elopak said it remains committed to improving the environmental profile of its packaging portfolio. Through continued innovation and scaling of solutions, the company aims to support lower emissions, efficient resource use and enhanced recyclability while helping customers meet their sustainability objectives. The latest low-carbon aluminum use in cartons initiative forms part of that broader strategy.
