Kategorie:
Sustainability, Health & Nutrition
12.05.2025

Elopak Sustainability Report 2024 – ‘Repackaging Tomorrow’ picks up speed

With the combined annual and sustainability report 2024, Elopak is underpinning its commitment to being a leader in sustainability. Elopak is pursuing ambitious goals - from reducing emissions and promoting biodiversity to establishing a genuine circular economy.

Read the full report here.

Sustainability as a strategic guiding star

How we work:

At Elopak, sustainability is far more than just a trendy topic - it is a central component of our corporate philosophy. And our efforts are bearing fruit: we were able to reduce our CO₂ emissions last year (Scope 1 and 2) by six per cent compared to 2023. Since 2020, we have reduced our emissions by 37 per cent. We have also been covering our electricity requirements exclusively from renewable sources since 2016.

Today, we are going a significant step further: our corporate strategy ‘Repackaging Tomorrow’, launched in autumn 2024, stands for a comprehensive transformation that reaches deep into the value chain and product development. The strategic priorities include global growth, strengthening market leadership and accelerating the replacement of plastics in production with fibre-based packaging from Elopak.

“As a pioneer in sustainability, we aim to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment. In April, I was therefore very pleased to announce a 37 per cent reduction in our direct emissions compared to the base year 2020 and to have made significant progress towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
THOMAs körmendi, ceo of ELOPAK
Infographic: Components of Sustainability

Our sustainability goals 

The strategy focuses on a clear sustainability goal: Elopak not only wants to produce more sustainably, but also to shape the entire industry with impulses for sustainability and climate protection. The focus is on four key areas:

1.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

2.

Design for recycling 

3.

Use of sustainable and certified raw materials

4.

Promotion of biodiversity along the supply chain

Goals of the ‘Sustainability Frontrunner Roadmap 2030’   

The ‘Sustainability Frontrunner Roadmap 2030’ serves Elopak as a guiding framework for all sustainability measures. It was developed in line with the new ESG governance structure and in preparation for the EU Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Elopak pursues science-based climate targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are aligned with the resolutions of the Paris Climate Summit. To achieve these targets, we consistently focus on real reductions: No compensation measures such as CO₂ certificates or ‘avoided emissions’ are included in the target achievement.

“People are demanding more responsible choices: consumers, our customers and society as a whole. Our future strategy aims to maximise the benefits of the global shift away from plastic packaging.”
THOMAs körmendi, ceo of ELOPAK

Our goals until 2030:

Overview of our SBT progress to date:

Reduction of emissions

Together, we made further progress in reducing our emissions last year: Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions were reduced by 6 per cent compared to 2023. This brings the total reduction since 2020 to 37 per cent. Indirect Scope 3 emissions increased by 5 per cent in the previous year compared to 2023 - primarily as a result of raw material purchases and increased sales of filling machines. The successes in direct emissions are based on a large number of specific measures.

Our measures to reduce emissions:

Switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity at all sites - through guarantees of origin close to the respective production sites
Technological adjustments such as the switch from gas-based sealing to hot air solutions
Optimised logistics and more energy-efficient filling systems for customers
More recyclable product designs, for example by dispensing with aluminium barriers in aseptic packaging

Elopak has also initiated a company-wide climate programme, which will be further specified in 2025 and serve as a strategic compass for the transformation by 2030.

Our sustainability goals guarantee our long-term commitment to key global challenges such as climate change, scarce natural resources, diversity, safety and responsibility along the supply chain.

Biodiversity and responsible use of raw materials

In addition to climate protection and the circular economy, Elopak is increasingly committed to preserving natural biodiversity. As a global company that relies heavily on forestry raw materials, we recognise the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems for our business and the environment in general. Our business activities depend on natural resources, especially wood, which is essential for our production processes. These dependencies underline the need for sustainable sourcing and efficient resource management to minimise our impact on biodiversity. 

We already source:

100 per cent of the raw cardboard comes from FSC-, SFI- or PEFC-certified sources, 
100 per cent of the polymers used come from ISCC+ certified material,
57 per cent of the beverage cartons sold worldwide are made from FSC-certified wood,
almost 52 percent of the aluminium used from ASI-certified sources.

Naturally renewable – maintaining living and viable forests

Average footprint per carton

One of our main focuses in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is minimising our CO₂ footprint per carton. We are proud that we have been able to continuously reduce this in recent years and achieved a value of 22.8 grams of CO₂ per carton in 2024 - compared to 32.1 grams of CO₂ in 2014. Our Natural Brown Board is one of the most environmentally friendly beverage cartons. In 2024, its market share in Europe increased again compared to the previous year. Because natural brown cartons have a significantly lower carbon footprint than their bleached counterparts, their increased volume has saved more than 2,200 tonnes of CO₂ on balance. The cumulative reduction since the introduction of brown cartonboard in 2017 is more than 11,000 tonnes of CO₂.

Carbon footprint of an average Elopak PE carton with closure. Based on internal cradle-to-gate calculations in Elopak's DEEP tool, version 14. The figures refer to an average 1-litre PE-coated carton with closure sold in Europe for fresh dairy products.

Sustainability with substance  

The report for the 2024 financial year shows that environmental responsibility and economic growth need not be a contradiction in terms. With our ‘Repackaging Tomorrow’ strategy, we are setting the course for a climate-friendly future - with clear goals, measurable successes and a systematic approach that permeates all areas of the company. Whether in terms of emissions reduction, resource utilisation or recyclability - Elopak is also demonstrating in 2024 that sustainability is not the goal. It is the path.

Black Forest Milk, Germany
Produkt: 
Pure-Pak® Sense

Black Forest Milk has launched its new fresh country milk from Landliebe with 1.5% fat in sustainable 500 ml Pure-Pak® Sense cartons in Germany. Thanks to the practical to-go packaging, the popular cocoa, strawberry, and banana varieties are also ideal for on the go. Landliebe is not only committed to sustainability in its packaging: the milk for the three new products comes from regional family farms in Baden-Württemberg.

Tropicana Brands Group, UK
Produkt: 
Pure-Pak® Classic

Tropicana is expanding its “Fresh & Light” range: Five fruity varieties with 30% less sugar and 100% of the daily vitamin C requirement have been available in 850 ml and 1450 ml Pure Pak® cartons since April 2025. Since May, the most popular orange juices have also been available in a handy 500 ml Pure Pak® format. The cartons are fully recyclable in the UK.

Boermarke, Europe
Produkt: 
Pure-Pak® Sense Natural Brown Board

Boermarke is expanding its Vairy brand plant-based range across Europe – all in sustainable 1000ml Pure-Pak® Sense cartons with natural brown board. The plant-based puddings and yogurts are available in a variety of flavors and enriched with calcium and vitamins. The natural brown color of the Pure-Pak® Sense cartons with visible fiber structure ensures an authentic look and strong shelf presence.

The Bridge S.R.L, Italy
Produkt: 
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

The Bridge S.R.L. is launching Veg Egg, its first plant-based egg alternative, in a 500ml Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic package on the Italian market. Veg Egg combines taste and sustainability and is in line with the trend toward plant-based nutrition. The fully recyclable Elopak packaging also offers convenience and environmental benefits.