Elopak has begun using aluminium produced with renewable electricity in its European carton manufacturing, as it seeks to cut the emissions linked to its packaging materials.

The material is now being used in standard ambient cartons made at the group’s plants in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ukraine.

According to the company, the change results in an “immediate” 8% reduction in the carbon footprint of its standard aluminium ambient cartons.

Based on cradle-to-gate calculations, the carbon footprint of a standard aseptic Pure Pak carton has dropped from 53g to 49g CO₂e per carton.

Elopak also supplies Pure-Pak eSense, an aluminium-free aseptic carton for ambient distribution, which is intended to further cut emissions and improve recycling outcomes.

The company works only with members of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which sets standards for responsible aluminium sourcing and environmental performance.

Elopak is developing carton recyclability through changes in materials and product design. Its manufacturing sites and offices run on 100% renewable electricity.

The company added that recent sustainability-related product developments include cartons made with recycled polymers, introduced last year, in preparation for forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation rules.

Elopak global sustainability head Emilie Olderskog 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.” 

Last month, Norway’s Orkla Home & Personal Care introduced Klar laundry products in Nordic markets through retailer Normal, using D-PAK cartons supplied by Elopak.

It marks the first time a D-PAK carton has been placed on the market in the country.