Introducing a more environmentally friendly carton for the aseptic market.
Beverage cartons offer several distinct sustainability advantages over plastic bottles, however within the aseptic segment different packaging types have varying levels of environmental benefits, largely as a result of their composition. The use of aluminium in aseptic beverage cartons has resulted in a higher carbon footprint than their fresh counterparts. Extracting and refining aluminium is an energy intensive processes and aluminium is also a finite resource, which does not replenish over time – unlike paper.
At Elopak, we have therefore invested to deliver a solution that ensures the packaging of aseptic products can be as sustainable as for those in the fresh segment. The result is the Pure-Pak® eSense carton: a more environmentally friendly aseptic carton made without an aluminium layer.
Using technology from our fresh portfolio, we replaced the aluminium in the Pure-Pak® eSense carton with a polyolefin blend barrier. It simplifies the recycling process as the new polyolefin structure enables a one operation separation of the fibers and the polyolefin layers. This result in a carton with an up to 50% lower carbon footprint* compared to a standard aseptic carton.
Elopak’s ambitions is to promote a net zero circular economy for packaging: driving the transition from plastic bottles to fully renewable, low carbon cartons. It also makes sense for our customers with aseptic products, many of whom produce environmentally friendly products and want a packaging option that supports their ethos.
Elopak partnered with García Carrión for this launch and their famous Don Simón brand is the first in the world to be launched in the new aluminium-free Pure-Pak® eSense carton, featuring six different plant-based drinks.
The Pure-Pak® eSense carton is available in a range of sizes and with various environmental features, such as the Natural Brown Board. The Natural Brown Board is unbleached. An unbleached paper board has stronger fibers and less wood is needed to create the paperboard. This results in unique, natural-looking cartons which effectively communicate a commitment to sustainability and instantly stands out on the shelves. Although no longer containing an aluminium layer, the Pure-Pak® eSense carton remains rigid and convenient, ensuring that the product inside stays fresh for longer.
Nowadays, consumers are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint – without having to compromise on quality. By rolling out the Pure-Pak® eSense carton, Elopak offers its customers more sustainable packaging for a wider range of products, while still playing a vital role in protecting food and minimising waste.
* When combined with 2nd generation renewable polymers based on second generation/waste-based feedstock. Based on internal, third-party reviewed cradle-to-gate calculations from the Dynamic Elopak Environmental Performance (DEEP) tool, version11, 2021