November 9, 2020

Packaging by Nature – Protecting nature and the environment

The way our Pure-Pak® cartons are sourced and produced offers environmental advantages that other packaging types cannot match. Pure-Pak® is already superior to PET and HDPE and with our ambition to offer our full packaging portfolio from 100% renewable resources we will further reduce the ecological footprint.

Protection of nature and biodiversity

Schutz von Natur und Biodiversität Schmetterling
Forests are complex ecosystems and the most important influencing factor of the global climate along with the oceans.

Not only us human beings need and appreciate the forest as a recreational space, raw material supplier, air conditioning system and – especially in the mountains – as life insurance against avalanches, mudflows and flooding. For countless species of animals, plants and fungi, the forest is the habitat that offers them food, shelter and protection.

Our forests provide habitats and refuge for up to 14,000 animal species and 6,000 plant species. It is important to us to preserve these essential habitats.

Environmentally friendly by nature

The origin of our main raw material plays a major role for us. Of course, we must ensure that these raw materials are sourced sustainably and that they are also available for future generations in sufficient quantities.
Sustainable forest management ensures that more trees are planted than are cut down. At least three new seedlings are planted for every tree harvested.
Most of our packaging is already made of wood, a renewable raw material.

Forest knowledge

Air conditioning and vacuum cleaner

The roots of an oak suck around 40,000 liters of water from the soil every year, which the leaves “sweat out” again. The evaporative cooling generated this way ensures that it is pleasantly cool in the forest even on hot summer days. There may be differences of 3° to 6°C compared to the open air and 4° to 8°C compared to cities. In addition, it filters around a ton of dust and pollutants from the air every year, so it works like an oversized vacuum cleaner. The air in the forest therefore contains up to 100 times less dust than the air in large cities.

Green lung

The forest in Germany produces around 25 to 38 million tons of oxygen every year. This is about one to one and a half times the amount that all German residents need to breathe in a year.

More than 40% (177 million hectares) of the land area of the 27 EU countries is covered with forest

With around 11.4 million hectares of forest, Germany is one of the most heavily wooded countries in the European Union. This area corresponds to almost one third of the entire country.

Older than Methuselah

In the summer of 2016, a Mainz research team found a stately old tree: the "Adonis" pine in the Greek Pindos Mountains at 2,000 meters above sea level is exactly 1,075 years old.

Habitat for 14,000 animal species an 6,000 plant species

Where do all these species live in the forest? Insects meke up the majority with three quarters. Vertebrates only make up 2% of the native fauna. Therefore, most of the forest-dwelling animal species remain hidden from forest visitors. This is no surprise since they live, for example, in the crown area of the trees, in the wood and under the bark as well as in the litter and humus layer.

Sustainable forestry
FSC® seal for good forests and good wood

The manufacture of our products is subject to a traceability system along the wood supply chain, which is audited by an independent party according to FSC® certification schemes. Our raw material is sourced from FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources in Northern Europe.

What’s behind the FSC® seal?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) has defined criteria and principles for responsible forest management. According to these, it awards a seal of quality for managed forests and products. The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1993 as a result of the environmental summit in Rio de Janeiro. Today the FSC® is active in over 80 countries with national working groups, the headquarters are in Bonn. Sustainable and conscientious use of wood, as guaranteed by FSC® certification, can safeguard the forest in its existence by giving it economic value. Responsible forest management according to the principles of the FSC® promotes the preservation of ecological diversity, sustainable development and the improvement of social standards. We make sure that more trees are planted than are cut down.

Renewable raw materials

75% renewable content

The higher the renewable content, the lower is the ecological footprint
The high share of renewable materials of around 75% in our Pure-Pak® is by far not enough for us!

100% based on wood

We therefore offer plastic barrier and closure from renewable resources based on tall oil, a residue from pulp and paper production.

At a glance: The advantages of plastics based on tall oil

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based PE
Residue from pulp and paper production
Sourced from sustainably managed Nordic forests
Not in competition to the cultivation of food plants
Use of the mass balance system
ISCC PLUS-certified supply chain

Renewable PE is chemically identical to fossil-based PE

No changes needed to fit existing production, filling processes and recycling streams.
UPM Magazine – Our supplier for tall oil
Video on UPM – Our supplier for tall oil
Corporate website – Packaging by Nature™
McBride, Italy
Product:
D-PAK™

Cleaning reimagined: Actiff refill packs in D-PAK™ cartons

McBride is launching new refill packs for its household cleaning brand Actiff in D-PAK™ cartons in Italy. By introducing carton packaging, the company underlines its commitment to sustainability and innovation while responding to evolving consumer expectations.

The Actiff range includes 1litre cartons for laundry detergent and fabric softener, as well as 500 ml cartons for dishwashing liquid. By making the switch, McBride reduces the use of plastic, supports recycling and offers consumers a practical and attractive alternative to conventional plastic packaging – while ensuring strong shelf visibility.

Polmlek Group Jibal, Morokko
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic Kartons

New to the market: Jibal launches first kefir in Pure‑Pak® cartons in Morocco 

Jibal, the Moroccan subsidiary of the Polmlek Group, introduced its first kefir in Pure‑Pak® cartons to the Moroccan market in autumn 2025. The premium launch targets health‑conscious consumers and addresses the growing functional dairy segment in North Africa. With this market entry, Jibal adopts a premium positioning and uses the Pure‑Pak® carton as a packaging solution strongly associated with freshness, naturalness, and health. The product launch marks an important milestone for the brand and supports Polmlek’s expansion in one of the region’s most dynamic growth markets. 

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, UK
Product:
Pure‑Pak®

Freshness re‑packaged: Trewithen Cream in Pure‑Pak® cartons

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, home to the Trewithen brand, is converting three of its fresh cream products from HDPE plastic bottles to Pure‑Pak® cartons from Elopak. In collaboration with Elopak, a new filling line has been installed at the company’s site in the Glynn Valley as part of a significant investment following the acquisition by the Ehrmann Group.

From this autumn, Cornish whipping cream, double cream and buttermilk will be available in 300 ml, 500 ml and 1,000 ml cartons. By making the switch, Trewithen reduces its use of plastic, simplifies logistics and offers retailers a sustainable, shelf‑ready alternative. The move marks an important milestone for the heritage brand and has already secured a nationwide Tesco listing across the UK.

H2O4U, Finnland
Product:
Pure‑Pak®

Pure water, newly packaged: JÄÄDE in Pure‑Pak® cartons

The Finnish company H2O4U is introducing JÄÄDE, one of the purest waters in the world, for the first time in fibre‑based cartons from Elopak. The naturally filtered mineral water is filled at the company’s production facility in Lahti, Finland, where it originates from deep glacial formations that were formed around 10,000 years ago.

The products are available in 330 ml and 500 ml Mini Pure‑Pak® cartons. By introducing carton packaging, H2O4U is choosing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging and reinforcing its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water in a resource‑efficient way – while ensuring strong shelf visibility.