Norway-based food-grade packaging and filling equipment company Elopak’s carton manufacturing facility is located in Arkansas, US.
Elopak announced its decision to invest in the construction of the new packaging plant in June 2023. Construction on the project commenced in March 2024.
Recommended Buyers Guides
The new facility was opened in April 2025, creating 100 permanent positions for professionals including engineers, printers, operators, logistics experts and various other support groups.
It is the company’s first converting plant in the US and focuses on the production of Pure-Pak® fibre-based cartons, catering to the packaging needs of liquid dairy products, plant-based alternatives, juices and liquid eggs.
The project is part of Elopak’s Repackaging Tomorrow programme, which aims to double revenue by 2030.
Elopak is adding a second production line at the facility with an investment of $25m (Nkr238.56m) and a third production line with an investment of $28m. The second production line is expected to commence operations in 2026, while the third production line is scheduled to come online in 2027.
Location of Elopak’s carton production site
Elopak’s carton production facility is situated in Little Rock, Arkansas. The choice of Little Rock as the location was influenced by the ready availability of green energy and proximity to suppliers.
Additionally, the area boasts excellent transport infrastructure including road and rail networks. Arkansas also offers a robust workforce, competitive business costs and an industry-focused climate, all of which are advantageous to the company.
Elopak carton production plant details
Elopak’s carton plant spans an area of 297,440ft² (27,633m²). The building includes a 205,267ft² production area for manufacturing operations, a 11,219ft² mezzanine catering to storage and workspace needs, and 24,534ft² of office space.
The facility is equipped with fully automated systems for handling all carton folding, scoring, packing and loading. Built using durable tilt-up concrete panels, the building provides a 33ft clear internal height, allowing for the installation of sizeable machinery and more efficient production flow.
Logistics are supported by six loading docks and a drive-through access door to aid smooth receiving, despatch and on-site movement. Production is backed by a high-capacity compressed air network, alongside advanced fire protection and an 8,000-ampere power supply designed to handle energy-intensive operations.
The building features a 45-mil (0.045in) thermoplastic polyolefin roofing membrane with R-30 insulation, improving thermal performance and longevity and underscoring a focus on sustainability.
Fire and life safety measures include an electric fire pump plus a combined early suppression fast response and control mode specific application sprinkler solution, providing extensive protection across both manufacturing and office spaces.
Elopak product portfolio
The facility manufactures Pure-Pak cartons using renewable, recyclable and sustainably sourced materials. The cartons present an eco-friendly and convenient substitute for plastic bottles, aligning with the principles of a low-carbon circular economy. They are designed to keep products fresh, thereby enhancing brand value and product efficiency.
The range includes both chilled and ambient products. The chilled packaging features the Pure-Pak Classic, Pure-Pak Sense and Pure-Pak Imagine cartons. Ambient packaging options include Pure-Pak eSense and Pure-Pak Sense cartons.
Elopak also offers D-PAK™ cartons, catering to the packaging needs of the home care and personal care sectors. This range includes the D‑PAK home care and D‑PAK personal care cartons.
Furthermore, Elopak supplies Roll Fed packaging solutions, which are suitable for a variety of products including dairy, plant-based alternatives, juice and alcohol. They are also capable of providing up to 12 months of shelf life, depending on the product.
Contractors involved
GMA Design Group, a design company, provided architectural services and interior design for the Little Rock facility.
ARCO National Construction, a design-build general contractor, was responsible for the development and construction of the carton production plant in association with ISOM Company, a commercial real estate development and consulting company.
Marketing commentary
Founded in 1957, Elopak operates in more than 70 countries with 40 sites worldwide. The company employs approximately 3,000 individuals and produces more than 16 billion beverage cartons a year from 12 manufacturing units.
The company markets its products as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic containers. Its manufacturing presence in the Americas includes plants in Canada, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, as well as a technical facility in Wixom, Michigan.
