Renewable plastics

Plastic is traditionally made from fossil raw materials. By extracting these from the ground, greenhouse gases are introduced to the atmosphere, which otherwise would have been kept under ground. That is why we should aim to stop using the finite, fossil resources and rather opt for renewable alternatives. In 2014, Elopak launched the first cartons based on 100% renewable raw materials. It has proven to be a success with product launches from several large brand-owners.

In Elopak we offer certified renewable plastics based on tall oil. Sourced from Nordic forests, the tall oil based feedstock allows Elopak to offer a carton based entirely on wood. The forest based feedstock, tall oil, is a residue from pulp and paper production. The wood is sourced 100% from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources, in accordance with the FSC™, PEFC or SFI® certification system in North America. Learn more about our forest based renewable PE offering here.

In comparison to fossil based raw materials, renewable alternatives are better for the environment, both in terms of resource depletion and carbon footprint.

We ensure that the forest based feedstock is certified according to ISCC PLUS.

For Elopak, transparency and credible proof of sustainability is key. This is why we ensure that all our renewable materials, paperboard as well as plastics, are sourced and verified through certification systems.

All of Elopak’s cartons in Europe can be offered with renewable plastic, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the cartons and helping customers achieve their environmental goals.

The development of plastics made from renewable raw materials, is moving fast and new solutions are introduced at a high pace. Elopak is following this development and is engaging in research projects where new raw materials are investigated for development of new packaging materials.