What the future holds for sustainable packaging

Rapid changes in sustainable packaging are ahead, spurred by growing demand, stricter rules, and tech progress. Credit: Julia Sudnitskaya / Shutterstock

The world of packaging is undergoing a significant transformation, with sustainability at the forefront of this change. 

Thomas Körmendi, Chief Executive and President of Elopak, shares valuable insights into how global initiatives, technological advancements, and consumer preferences are shaping the future of sustainable packaging. 

Here, we delve into Körmendi’s perspective on how Elopak is leading the charge toward a more sustainable packaging landscape. 

Global initiatives, such as the New York Climate Week and the UN Private Sector Forum, play a crucial role in driving sustainability in the packaging industry. 

Körmendi emphasises that these events are “vital because they provide a platform in which the public and private sector can collaborate on unblocking problems and finding new sustainable solutions for the packaging industry.” 

He highlights the importance of cross-sector dialogue, with the involvement of chief executives, heads of state, and civil society representatives working together to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

At the core of Elopak’s mission is a commitment to sustainability, and Körmendi proudly notes, “We are proud to lead the way with our fibre-based cartons, but we need decision-makers that are equally as committed to reducing global plastic waste.” 

Initiatives like these provide the necessary collaboration to drive meaningful change in the industry. 

Elopak is one of the few companies in the packaging industry to set targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to become a net zero company by 2050. 

Körmendi states, “These targets 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 decreased the average carbon footprint of its cartons by 8.27%. 

Despite the challenges of maintaining high environmental standards across diverse markets, Körmendi remains optimistic, sharing that Elopak “has sourced 100% renewable electricity across all our sites since 2016.” 

This commitment to sustainability enables Elopak to cater to customers’ growing preference for eco-friendly packaging solutions, thus driving the global transition to net zero. 

Innovation is at the heart of Elopak’s sustainable journey. As Körmendi aptly puts it, “Innovation is the vehicle that allows convenience and sustainability to come together.” 

Elopak has made significant strides in advancing its product offerings, ensuring that its packaging solutions are both functional and environmentally friendly. 

One notable innovation is the Pure-Pak carton made with Natural Brown Board, launched in 2017. 

Körmendi explains, “These cartons are made with unbleached wood fibres, which create a stronger paperboard with a natural, woody colour. Less of this stronger board is required to make Natural Brown Board cartons, resulting in a lighter carton with a smaller carbon footprint.” 

More recently, Elopak introduced the Pure-Pak eSense aseptic carton, designed for optimal recycling and made without aluminium, reducing emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional aseptic cartons. 

Consumer behaviour is shifting rapidly towards environmentally friendly options, and packaging plays a crucial role in meeting this demand. 

Körmendi notes that research commissioned by Elopak in March 2023 found that “over three quarters of UK consumers consider companies’ environmental credentials to be important when making shopping decisions.” 

As a result, brands increasingly turn to renewable packaging materials to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. 

Elopak’s cartons, made using renewable paperboard and fully recyclable where infrastructure is in place, are well-suited to meet this demand. 

Körmendi highlights that “one LCA study found that cartons contribute up to 82% fewer emissions than PET bottles of the same size,” allowing consumers to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on quality. 

As the packaging industry continues to adapt to climate and sustainability challenges, Körmendi anticipates an acceleration of the trend towards replacing plastic with carton-based solutions. 

He expects that “cartons will increasingly be used for other applications as well,” including home and personal care products. Research commissioned by Elopak in December 2023 found that “65% of shoppers are happy to buy fabric softener in cartons and 59% would buy laundry detergent.” 

Already, companies like 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 a broader adoption of sustainable packaging across various sectors. 

As Körmendi concludes, the plastic-to-carton replacement trend 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 kind to our planet.