In a major step forward for sustainable packaging, global carton manufacturer Elopak has teamed up with Orkla Home and Personal Care (OHPC) and materials science giant Dow to launch the industry’s first ever cartons made with a unique combination of recycled and renewable polymers. Dubbed D-PAK™, this new line of eco-conscious cartons is now rolling out across the Nordics.
Driven by the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires plastic content in packaging to include recycled material by 2030, the trio of companies is getting ahead of the curve demonstrating not just compliance, but leadership.
The newly enhanced D-PAK™ cartons are crafted from responsibly sourced paperboard and feature a protective plastic coating made from a blend of 10% post consumer recycled polyethylene (PE) and 90% bio-circular PE derived from renewable sources like used cooking oil. Both materials are traceable through certified mass balance chains of custody, ensuring transparency and credibility.
“These cartons are a leap forward in circular packaging,” said Emilie Olderskog, Director of Sustainability at Elopak. “They offer a clear reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and align with our Scope 3 emissions targets. It’s packaging that not only protects the product, but the planet too.”
Elopak first began packaging OHPC products in D-PAK™ cartons back in 2020, with refill packs for Klar brand laundry detergent and soap. The response was overwhelming products sold out and demand surged, prompting expansion across more OHPC brands like OMO and Comfort.
Now, these updated D-PAK™ cartons used as both primary packs and home refill solutions are becoming standard across OHPC’s product range. “This evolution supports both regulatory readiness and our customers’ growing sustainability expectations,” said Anne Marheim Støren, Sustainability Director at OHPC.
Dow’s involvement ensures the highest quality bio-circular and circular polymers are incorporated. Marian Gmenta, Marketing Lead at Dow, stated: “We’re proud to support Elopak and OHPC in driving forward the circular economy and enabling real-world impact ahead of legislative deadlines.”
Elopak also announced that customers can now opt for the recycled and bio-based polymer mix in all of its carton and closure offerings, further boosting its commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable innovation.
With the D-PAK™ line, Elopak not only offers a cleaner solution for liquid products, but sets a new benchmark for the industry proving that responsible packaging can be beautiful, practical, and compliant all at once.