Liquid packaging supplier Elopak has transitioned to sourcing low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable electricity across its European aseptic carton manufacturing network.
The operational transition, implemented across the company’s production plants in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Ukraine, delivers an immediate 8 per cent reduction in the carbon footprint of its standard aluminium ambient cartons. Under cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessments, the carbon intensity of a standard aseptic Pure-Pak carton decreases from 53 g CO2e to 49 g CO2e per carton.
The decarbonisation initiative comes as food and beverage manufacturers face growing pressure from retail partners and regulatory bodies to reduce Scope 3 emissions associated with packaging materials.
Technical Functionality and Environmental Performance
In ambient and aseptic liquid packaging, aluminium serves as a critical barrier layer. Sized at a micro-scale thickness, the metal foil protects the liquid contents against light and oxygen, enabling shelf-stable distribution without the requirement for refrigeration or chemical preservatives.
According to Emilie Olderskog, Global Head of Sustainability at Elopak, sourcing aluminium manufactured with renewable electricity allows the company to reduce the environmental footprint of its finished products while retaining the barrier properties necessary for food safety and shelf-life extension.
Comparative life-cycle assessments indicate that liquid packaging cartons frequently maintain a lower carbon footprint than alternative rigid plastic packaging formats across multiple food and beverage categories.
By lowering the carbon intensity of the raw materials, the company aims to support downstream food processors in meeting their corporate sustainability benchmarks and Scope 3 reduction goals.
Materials Portfolio
To accommodate different retail requirements, distribution setups, and recycling objectives, Elopak maintains a segmented portfolio of ambient packaging formats:
📦 Standard Ambient Pure-Pak – A classic aseptic carton now incorporating low-carbon aluminium, delivering an immediate 8 per cent reduction in total packaging emissions.
🌱 Pure-Pak eSense – An aluminium-free aseptic carton designed for ambient distribution, formulated to reduce total emissions further and optimise regional recycling yields.
♻️ Recycled Polymer Cartons – Introductions incorporating certified recycled polymers to support compliance with upcoming European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements.
Supply Chain Compliance and Sourcing Standards
To secure raw material traceability and independent verification of its environmental performance, Elopak works exclusively with upstream suppliers holding certifications from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). The non-profit organisation sets strict global standards for responsible sourcing, social responsibility, and environmental performance across the aluminium value chain.
The packaging manufacturer's internal operations and corporate offices currently run on 100 per cent renewable electricity.
By combining renewable energy utilisation with circular-economy material innovations, Elopak continues to adapt its portfolio to meet evolving European regulatory frameworks, preparing commercial fillers for stricter material-recovery standards in the food and beverage industry.
