The world of packaging is undergoing a significant transformation, and sustainability is at the forefront of this change.
Thomas Körmendi, CEO and President of Elopak, shares valuable insights on how global initiatives, technological advances and consumer preferences are shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
Here, we delve into Körmendi’s perspective on how Elopak is leading the charge towards a more sustainable packaging landscape.
The power of global initiatives
Global initiatives such as New York Climate Week and the UN Private Sector Forum play a key role in promoting sustainability in the packaging industry.
Körmendi emphasizes that these events are “essential because they provide a platform where the public and private sectors can collaborate to solve problems and find new, sustainable solutions for the packaging industry.”
Stresses the importance of cross-sectoral dialogue involving CEOs, heads of state and civil society representatives working together to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
At the core of Elopak’s mission is a commitment to sustainability, and Körmendi proudly notes: “We are proud to lead with our fiber-based cartons, but we need decision-makers who are equally committed to reducing global plastic waste.”
Such initiatives provide the necessary collaboration to bring about significant change in the industry.
Achieving net zero: challenges and opportunities
Elopak is one of the few companies in the packaging industry that has set targets approved under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to become a net zero company by 2050.
Körmendi states: “These goals are important to us because we want our company’s environmental credentials to reflect the sustainability of our packaging.”
This ambition is evident in their achievements; since 2020, Elopak has reduced its direct emissions by over a third and reduced the average carbon footprint of its cartons by 8.27%.
Despite the challenges of maintaining high environmental standards in various markets, Körmendi remains optimistic, saying that Elopak has “sourced 100% renewable energy in all its plants since 2016.”
This commitment to sustainability enables Elopak to meet growing customer preferences for sustainable packaging solutions, thereby contributing to the global transition to net zero.
Innovation: the key to a sustainable future
Innovation is at the heart of Elopak’s sustainable journey. As Körmendi aptly put it: “Innovation is a tool that allows you to combine convenience and sustainability.”
Elopak has made significant progress in improving its product offering, ensuring that its packaging solutions are both functional and environmentally friendly.
A noteworthy innovation is the Pure-Pak carton made of Natural Brown cardboard, introduced to the market in 2017.
Körmendi explains: “These cartons are made from unbleached wood fibers, which create a stronger board with a natural, woody color. Less of this stronger board is needed to produce Natural Brown Board cartons, resulting in a lighter carton and a smaller carbon footprint. “
Elopak recently introduced its Pure-Pak eSense aseptic carton, designed for optimal recyclability and made without aluminum, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional aseptic cartons.
Adapting to consumer preferences
Consumer behavior is rapidly shifting towards eco-friendly options, and packaging plays a key role in meeting this demand.
Körmendi notes that research commissioned by Elopak in March 2023 found that “over three-quarters of UK consumers believe that companies’ environmental credentials are important when making purchasing decisions.”
As a result, brands are increasingly turning to renewable packaging materials to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Elopak’s cartons, made from renewable cardboard and fully recyclable where the infrastructure is in place, fit this demand well.
Körmendi highlights that “one LCA study showed that cartons contribute as much as 82% less emissions than PET bottles of the same size,” enabling consumers to make environmentally friendly choices without sacrificing quality.
Looking to the future: the cardboard revolution
As the packaging industry continues to adapt to climate and sustainability challenges, Körmendi expects the trend towards replacing plastic with cardboard-based solutions to accelerate.
He expects that “cardboard will increasingly be used for other applications as well,” including household and personal care products. A study commissioned by Elopak in December 2023 found that “65% of shoppers are willing to buy fabric softener in cartons, and 59% would buy laundry detergent.”
Already, companies such as Sainsbury’s in the UK and Orkla Home and Personal Care in Scandinavia are packaging their laundry products in Elopak cartons, setting the stage for wider adoption of sustainable packaging across sectors.
As Körmendi concludes, the trend of replacing plastic with cardboard is not just a possibility; it is an inevitable step towards a more sustainable future. The journey has begun, and companies like Elopak are leading the way, proving that packaging can be both convenient and planet-friendly.
What the Future Holds for Sustainable Packaging was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData brand.
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