D-PAK™ showroom: Experience sustainability, shape innovation

Showroom demonstrates the full potential of the D-PAK™

B2B customers can expect an interactive tour through various stations, including multimedia content, examples of customer packaging that has already been launched in stores and design models that impressively illustrate the marketing potential and the resulting differentiation possibilities of D-PAK™ at the POS. An information wall also provides insights into the entire life cycle - from FSC-certified raw material extraction to utilisation and recycling. From the showroom, interested customers can go directly to the neighbouring production area, where two new Elopak filling machines were recently installed to manufacture and demonstrate the versatile packaging.

Dirk Endlich, Vice President Plastic to Carton at Elopak, is convinced that the opening of the showroom will be followed by further successful product launches: "D-PAK™ is a universal packaging concept that is suitable for numerous liquid products such as fabric softeners, detergents, dishwashing liquids, mouthwash, liquid hand soap, and even window cleaners. The D-PAK™ carton is proving itself not only as the perfect alternative for refill packs, but also increasingly as primary packaging."

Why use carton instead of plastic?

The D-PAK™ offers high functionality while drastically reducing plastic consumption. Depending on the application, the plastic content can be reduced by up to 80% compared to conventional PET bottles and pouches.

The carton is also impressive in terms of product protection and handling: it is fully recyclable, practical to use and is available in six different sizes from 500 to 2000 ml. To avoid confusion with drinks cartons, the screw cap has a ‘do not drink’ symbol and a safety label - a childproof version is planned for the end of 2025.

Logistically, the D-PAK™ is a clear advantage. It is volume-efficient during disposal and saves both weight and space during transport. Upstream, one pallet of 1-litre D-PAK™ blanks delivered flat replaces 25 pallets of 1-litre plastic bottles. Accordingly, cartons reduce the required storage space, lorry journeys, storage and retrieval as well as forklift journeys. Rectangular cartons also increase pallet loading downstream and less shelf space is required at the POS for the same number of containers.

The showroom as a one-stop shop for change

With the D-PAK™ showroom and the Elopak filling machines installed on site, Elopak and Kompak now offer a complete system solution from a single source. A standard platform is available for smaller sizes of 500, 750 and 1000 millilitres and a machine for large 1500, 1750 and 2000 millilitre cartons. A third line will be installed shortly.

“The D-PAK™ machine platform is designed for maximum flexibility. That's why we opted for a scalable concept. The machines are compact and have a capacity of 2000 or 2500 cartons per hour, but you can combine up to 3 lines in a row.”

Maarten Kaal, Business Development Manager, Elopak

B2B customers benefit from short development times, high flexibility and a comprehensive service that combines innovation and realisation in one place. Brand owners benefit from shorter time-to-market and genuine all-round service.

Carton can do more

With the D-PAK™ showroom, Elopak and Kompak are setting new standards for sustainable packaging in the non-food sector. It is much more than an exhibition space, it is a laboratory for brand ideas, a touchpoint for sustainable transformation and a strong signal for the entire non-food market. Etten-Leur is the ideal starting point for anyone who not only wants to understand the packaging of the future, but also wants to shape it.