Elopak has started sourcing low-carbon aluminium made with renewable electricity for use in its European carton production, as part of efforts to reduce the climate impact of liquid packaging materials.
The material is now being used in the company’s standard ambient cartons manufactured at plants in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ukraine. According to Elopak, the switch delivers an immediate 8% reduction in the carbon footprint of its standard aluminium ambient cartons.
The company said the carbon footprint of a standard aseptic Pure-Pak carton has been reduced from 53 to 49 g CO₂e per carton, based on cradle-to-gate calculations.
“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,” said Emilie Olderskog, Global Head of Sustainability at Elopak.
Aluminium is used in ambient cartons to provide a barrier against light and oxygen and support aseptic sealing. These properties help extend product shelf life and reduce food waste.
Olderskog said multiple life-cycle assessments have shown that, in many applications, Elopak’s liquid packaging cartons can have a lower carbon footprint than plastic packaging formats.
Elopak also offers Pure-Pak eSense, an aluminium-free aseptic carton for ambient distribution, aimed at supporting emissions reductions and improved recycling performance.
The company said it works exclusively with members of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, which sets requirements for responsible aluminium sourcing and environmental performance. Its manufacturing operations and offices run on 100% renewable electricity.
The move follows packaging developments, including the introduction in 2025 of cartons made with recycled polymers, linked to preparation for EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements.