The world of packaging is undergoing significant change, with sustainability at the forefront of this change.
Thomas Körmendi, Chief Executive and President of Elopak, shares valuable insight into the global trends, technological advances, and consumer needs that are shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
Here, we explore Körmendi’s view of how Elopak is leading the charge for a more sustainable packaging environment.
The power of international programs
International initiatives, such as New York Climate Week and the UN Private Sector Forum, play an important role in promoting sustainability in the packaging industry.
Körmendi emphasizes that these events are “important because they provide a platform where the public and the private sector can collaborate to solve problems and find new solutions for the packaging industry.”
He emphasizes the importance of various discussions, with the participation of senior officials, leaders of the country, and representatives of government organizations working together to achieve the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
At the heart of Elopak’s mission is commitment to sustainability, and Körmendi proudly says, “We are proud to lead the way with our fiber cartons, but we need decision makers who are committed to reducing plastic waste worldwide.”
Programs like these provide the collaboration needed to drive meaningful change in the industry.
Achieving net zero: challenges and opportunities
Elopak is one of the few companies in the packaging industry to set goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to become a net zero company by 2050.
Körmendi says, “These goals are important to us because we want our environmental company to demonstrate the sustainability of our packaging.”
This intention is evident in their success; since 2020, Elopak has reduced its direct emissions by more than a third and reduced the average carbon footprint of its cartons by 8.27%.
Despite the challenges of maintaining high environmental conditions in various markets, Körmendi remains optimistic, sharing that Elopak “has achieved 100% renewable electricity in all our locations since 2016.”
This commitment to sustainability enables Elopak to serve a growing customer base of eco-friendly packaging solutions, thus facilitating the global transition to net zero.
Innovation: the key to a sustainable future
Innovation is at the heart of Elopak’s endless journey. As Körmendi said, “Innovation is the vehicle that allows easy and stable assembly.”
Elopak has made significant strides in developing its products, ensuring that its packaging solutions are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Another innovation is the Pure-Pak carton made of Natural Brown Board, launched in 2017.
Körmendi explains, “These cartons are made of untreated wood fibers, which create a strong paper with a natural color, wood. A small amount of this strong board is needed to make Natural Brown Board boxes, resulting in a light box with a small carbon footprint.”
Recently, Elopak introduced the Pure-Pak eSense aseptic carton, designed for maximum recycling and aluminum-free production, reducing emissions by up to 50% compared to standard aseptic cartons.
Adapting to customer needs
Consumer behavior is changing rapidly towards environmentally friendly choices, and packaging plays an important role in meeting this need.
Körmendi notes that research provided by Elopak in March 2023 found that “more than three-quarters of UK consumers think that environmental companies are important when making purchasing decisions.”
As a result, brands increasingly turn to sustainable packaging materials to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Elopak cartons, which are made using recycled board and are effectively recycled where facilities are available, are well suited to meet these requirements.
Körmendi emphasizes that “one LCA study found that cartons emit up to 82% less air than equivalent PET bottles,” allowing consumers to make environmentally conscious decisions without compromising on quality.
Looking ahead: the carton revolution
As the packaging industry continues to adapt to climate change and continue to face challenges, Körmendi expects a rapid trend towards replacing plastic with cardboard-based solutions.
He hopes that “cartons will continue to be used for other applications as well,” including home and personal care products. Research published by Elopak in December 2023 found that “65% of consumers are happy to buy fabric softener in cartons and 59% would buy laundry detergent.”
Currently, companies such as Sainsbury’s in the UK and Orkla Home and Personal Care in the Nordics are packaging their laundry products in Elopak cartons, setting the stage for wider adoption of sustainable packaging in various sectors.
As Körmendi concludes, the plastic-to-cardboard trend is not just a coincidence; it is an inevitable step towards a sustainable future. The journey has begun, and companies like Elopak are leading the way, proving that packaging can be simple and kind to our planet.
“Capturing the future of sustainable packaging” was created and published by Packaging Gateway, a brand owned by GlobalData.
The information on this site is included in good faith for informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we make no representation, warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You should obtain professional or expert advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the content of our site.
#future #packaging #security