Elopak, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has introduced a game-changing innovation in the form of its new Natural White Board a paperboard for fresh liquids that promises up to 14% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to traditional white board cartons.
This latest advancement, developed in collaboration with long-standing partner Stora Enso, marks a significant step forward in Elopak’s mission to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Designed to work across its full Pure-Pak® carton range and available in all markets, the Natural White Board combines sustainability with shelf appeal and high performance.
What sets this paperboard apart is its ability to deliver all the protective and functional benefits of Elopak’s standard cartons, but without the need for a traditional clay coating. Instead, a specialized finishing process creates a naturally smooth outer layer, reducing the use of plastic coatings such as polyethylene further cutting carbon emissions.
“Drawing upon decades of innovation, the Pure-Pak® carton remains iconic in fiber-based packaging,” said Uwe Schulze, Executive Vice President Product and Development at Elopak. “With the introduction of the Natural White Board, customers can further improve their carbon footprint significantly.”
More than just a sustainable choice, the new board also offers design flexibility, enabling brands to retain the clean, white aesthetic they’re accustomed to a valuable asset for standing out in competitive retail environments.
This innovation builds on the success of Elopak’s Natural Brown Board, launched in 2017, which used wholly unbleached fibers to minimize energy and chemical usage. The new Natural White Board takes a hybrid approach, using bleached fibers only in the carton’s top layer maintaining the white finish while improving sustainability metrics.
“Ever since the Natural Brown Board proved such a hit, we’ve been working to provide white-finish alternatives that don’t compromise on sustainability,” said Michael Olsson, Technical Account Manager at Stora Enso. “This development with Elopak broadens the options for brands looking to reduce their environmental footprint.”
The first commercial rollout of the new paperboard is already underway. Rørosmeieriet, a Norwegian organic dairy and long-time Elopak partner, became the first to trial the innovation for its line of organic milk. Having also pioneered the use of the Natural Brown Board, the dairy was able to seamlessly integrate the new board into its existing filling lines.
“As an organic dairy surrounded by nature, sustainability is part of who we are,” noted Trond Vilhelm Lund, CEO of Rørosmeieriet. “This innovation strengthens our commitment to protecting the environment while continuing to serve our customers with integrity.”
Supporting the rollout, Coop Norway has introduced the cartons under its flagship Änglamark organic brand.
“As a retailer, organic products and sustainability are at the heart of our values,” said Roy Olderskog, Category Manager at Coop Norway. “We are proud to be the first to bring this innovation to market.”
Elopak’s Natural White Board not only reinforces its position as a leader in sustainable packaging but also demonstrates how innovation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand giving brands and consumers alike a tangible way to make more responsible choices.
