By Ben Daniel Elopak has announced its more environmentally friendly aseptic carton – the Pure-Pak eSense. It is the same shape as the consumer friendly Pure-Pak Sense Aseptic carton, with the ‘e’ standing for eco-friendly and has been developed using technology from Elopak’s fresh portfolio.
This means the carton can preserve product integrity, safety, and lifespan without requiring an aluminium layer, which is commonly used in aseptic packaging. This results in a reduction of the carbon footprint of the carton by 28%, while facilitating full recyclability.
Elopak CMO Patrick Verhelst said: “Brands and consumers are constantly looking for new ways to further reduce their environmental footprint, without compromising functionality.
“We are excited to add this latest innovation to our offering and provide our customers in the aseptic segment with an even more sustainable packaging solution.
“This has been made possible because of Elopak’s decades of experience, the determination and efforts of our technical experts, and our company-wide commitment to advancing sustainability.”
Setting out the importance of the development, Elopak’s Director, Sustainability, Marianne Groven said: “Elopak is on a journey to become even more sustainable, both as a company and through the cartons we produce. Over time we have continuously improved the environmental profile of our cartons. For example, between 2014 and 2020 we achieved a reduction in the carbon footprint of an average carton with a closure from 32 gCO2e to 25 gCO2e.
“Life Cycle Assessments have demonstrated that beverage cartons already have strong environmental credentials. They also play an important role in keeping products safe and minimising food waste, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of the Pure-Pak eSense carton to our offering is important because it means our customers in the aseptic segment will also be able to select an aluminum-free option.
“Aluminium is a finite natural resource, meaning it does not replenish over time. In addition, the extraction and production of aluminium is relatively energy intensive and thus has a higher carbon footprint compared to the other materials in beverage cartons.”
Elopak also offers cartons without a cap for chilled beverages. The Pure-Pak Imagine carton is a modern version of the company’s original Pure-Pak carton, launched in 2020. Designed with an easy open feature, it contains 46% less plastic and is available as fully forest-based.