Elopak emissions down by a third since 2020

Global packaging company Elopak has reduced its direct emissions by a third from 2020 as part of its ongoing efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Elopak’s direct Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are down 33 % compared to a 2020 baseline, according to the company’s combined annual and sustainability report. This includes major sources of greenhouse gas emissions such as electricity usage, natural gas, and waste incineration. The decrease puts Elopak well on the way to achieving a 42 % reduction in direct emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050, under goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

People, Planet, Profit

The environmental milestone was publicised in Elopak’s first ever combined annual and sustainability report. This document details progress towards the company’s sustainability commitments across the key areas of people, planet, and profit.

This year the report also highlighted that emissions from Elopak’s filling machines were reduced by 29 % in 2023 and that the average carbon footprint for an Elopak carton has fallen to 23.3gCO2e – down from 23.9gCO2e in 2022.

“These developments reflect our continued commitment to environmental, social, and ethical excellence in our journey towards becoming a net zero company by 2050,” said Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi.

2023 marked 15 years of structured sustainability reporting at Elopak. In the same year the company was awarded an A+ score for ESG reporting by sustainability consultancy Position Green, placing it in the top 5 % of companies best prepared for the introduction of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

The combined report also recounted strong financial results for Elopak during the year, despite significant economic and geopolitical headwinds. Organic revenues for the company increased by 9.4 % to EUR 1.13 billion and the adjusted EBITDA margin was 15.1 %.

Additionally, in 2023, Elopak welcomed 166 new employees – the most for the company ever in a single year – and is set to bring on even more staff when production begins at its plant in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is slated for the first half of 2025.

“2023 was all about advancing our sustainable growth. I am thankful to all our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their fantastic collaboration and the results achieved throughout the year,” said Körmendi.