The cartons, made from Natura Life by Stora Enso, retain the natural brown color of wood fibres creating a sustainable, authentic package meeting the demand for ethical, ecological and organic products.
Organic milk, fermented milk, cream
Anna-Karin Modin Edman, sustainability manager, Arla, said the cartons will first be used to package organic milk, fermented milk and cream with plans to expand into more products later on.
“Arla is taking another step towards even greener packaging on its organic dairy products. By removing a material layer, the carton's climate impact is reduced by a further 24%. It also means the classic white EKO package now turns brown,” she said.
Arla's overall ambition is to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging by 25% by 2020, compared to 2005.
The company said with this launch the organic packaging further paves the way to reducing its environmental footprint.
"Every year we pack almost one billion products in Sweden and we want to ensure we have the best packaging as possible for the climate and the environment,” added Edman.
“Due to the removal of a material layer the impact of the carton on the environment is reduced by 24% and its weight by 3% compared with the previous version. Because we sell large volumes of these products, the new packaging will have a significant effect."
1litre and 500ml
The Pure-Pak carton with natural brown paperboard is available in 1litre and 500ml sizes.
It runs on existing filling lines for both fresh and ESL products without modifications or changes in machine settings.
It is 100% recyclable and can be recycled through existing channels.
“All liquid packaging board sourced from well-managed forests is environmentally friendly, however this paperboard reaches new levels in climate responsible packaging,” said Ivar Jevne, executive VP, Board and Blanks Supply, Elopak.
“The innovation is the result of bringing together the best of expertise, competence and experience from our collaboration with Stora Enso. This is not just another paperboard for our Pure-Pak cartons, but a totally new concept."
Edman added the Pure-Pak carton will grab attention on supermarket shelves as it communicates organic values and is ‘totally different to anything else in the increasingly complex chilled dairy segment’.
The paperboard is produced by Stora Enso, with the majority of fibres sourced from Swedish and Norwegian forests.
“We are happy about the cooperation with Elopak and excited to introduce the new unbleached liquid packaging board Natura Life by Stora Enso,” said Annica Bresky, executive VP, Consumer Board division, Stora Enso.
“What makes this paperboard unique is that it has brown on the inside as well as on the outside. This will enhance the organic appearance of carton packaging and make it stand out on the shelves.”