The company also published its first quarterly report as a listed company.
The new Pure-Pak eSense is the same shape as the Pure-Pak Sense Aseptic carton, with the ‘e’ added to show it is eco-friendly. It has been developed using technology from Elopak’s fresh portfolio that means the carton can preserve product integrity, safety, and lifespan without requiring the aluminum layer commonly used in aseptic packaging. The elimination of this layer results in a reduction of the carbon footprint of the carton by 28%, while facilitating full recyclability.
Elopak CMO Patrick Verhelst said, “Today brands and consumers are constantly looking for new ways to further reduce their environmental footprint, without compromising on functionality. We are excited to add this latest innovation to our offering and provide our customers in the aseptic segment with an even more sustainable packaging solution.”
The Pure-Pak eSense carton has been developed in line with Elopak’s ambitions to contribute to a net-zero circular economy.
Elopak’s director sustainability Marianne Groven added, “Elopak is on a journey to become even more sustainable, both as a company and through the cartons we produce. Over time we have continuously improved the environmental profile of our cartons. For example, between 2014 and 2020 we achieved a reduction in the carbon footprint of an average carton with a closure from 32 gCO2e to 25 gCO2e.
“Life Cycle Assessments have demonstrated that beverage cartons already have strong environmental credentials when compared to alternatives such as plastic bottles. They also play an important role in keeping products safe and minimizing food waste, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of the Pure-Pak eSense carton to our offering is important because it means our customers in the aseptic segment will also be able to select an aluminum-free option.”
“Aluminum is a finite natural resource, meaning it does not replenish over time. In addition, the extraction and production of aluminum is relatively energy intensive and thus has a higher carbon footprint compared to the other materials in beverage cartons.”
Elopak already offers sustainability-focused innovations such as Natural Brown Board cartons across both fresh and aseptic segments. These are renewable, recyclable and have a lower carbon footprint per carton owing to reduced wood consumption and the elimination of the bleaching process.
Elopak also offers cartons without a cap for chilled beverages. The Pure-Pak Imagine carton is a modern version of the company’s original Pure-Pak carton, launched in 2020. Designed with an easy open feature, it contains 46% less plastic and is available as fully forest-based.
The company’s first quarterly report as a listed company showed for the second quarter of 2021, Elopak reported revenues of €242.1m ($284.1m) and adjusted EBITDA of €34.7m ($40.7m).
It said this reflected slightly lower revenues compared to the same period last year (-4%), primarily due to the stockpiling effects of the second quarter of 2020.
“We are pleased to demonstrate resilient financial performance and strong profitability in the second quarter, despite the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic continues to present for the business environment,” said Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak.
“Overall, we are pleased with the business performance in the second quarter of 2021, although our revenues were slightly below expectations. Business operations in all our plants continue to perform well, helping to partly offset the increased cost of raw materials. We are working hard to grow the company further, both organically and through value-accretive acquisitions, and we continue our relentless efforts to deliver innovations that strengthen our sustainability credentials. Looking forward we are encouraged by positive trends in regulation and conscious consumption that are driving the plastic-to-carton conversion and opening up new opportunities for Elopak.”
