Nippon Paper, the largest liquid packaging producer in Japan, is exploring the potential of packaging based on wood, a renewable resource, and offering a variety of proposals. Nippon Paper group is also one of the leading packaging companies in Oceania through its subsidiary business, Opal.
Elopak, a global supplier of carton packaging and filling equipment, offers sustainable packaging solutions to provide alternatives to plastic bottles.
The licensing agreement aligns with Elopak’s ambitions to pursue new business opportunities in existing and new markets across both fresh and aseptic markets; and driving plastic to carton conversion.
The two companies have worked together for many years. In March 2016, they signed a product licensing agreement allowing Nippon Paper to manufacture and sell certain Pure-Pak cartons in Japan. When Elopak listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in June 2021, Nippon Paper entered into a cornerstone agreement to acquire shares equivalent to 5% of the share capital. In January 2022, the two companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen partnership and advance collaborative efforts in the field of liquid-paper packaging.
The new license agreement will leverage the technological capabilities and innovation of both companies to pursue new business opportunities in the Oceania region, particularly in Australia and New Zealand where population growth and domestic demand are rising. It will also further promote the transition away from plastic for chilled liquid beverages.
Both companies are members of the United Nations Global Compact and incorporate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their development strategies.
Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi said, “We are delighted to be announcing this latest collaboration with Nippon Paper, which is an important step in driving forward our growth strategy as a company. Given our established track record of working together, we are uniquely well positioned to deliver for customers in the region.”
Nippon Paper managing executive officer and general manager of Paper-Pak sales division Yasuhito Obayashi said, “We are pleased to be working with Elopak to meet the rising demand for sustainable packaging in the Oceania region and supporting customers to transition from plastic bottles to cartons. We look forward to jointly leveraging our extensive experience and strengths to promote and deliver renewable, low carbon solutions.”
