Drinks cartons containing certified renewable PE have been launched by Norwegian packaging group Elopak (Skøyen; www.elopak.com). The company claims to be the first in Europe to offer drinks cartons with a renewable coating. The bio-based PE uses second generation biomass feedstock sourced within Europe and not in competition with crops for food supply.

Elopak said it aims to replace all fossil-based raw materials with renewable alternatives as part of its "Future Proofed Packaging" strategy. CEO Niels Petter Wright said: “This is a key milestone in Elopak’s efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of our products. We have a vision to deliver products with zero net impact on the environment, and this is an important step towards that goal.”

A wide range of cartons with renewable PE will be available in the coming months. Elopak said it is working in partnership with key customers wanting to boost the environmental merits of their packaging.

The bio-based PE is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System (ISCC PLUS) which sets strict requirements for sustainability and traceability throughout the whole value chain. Elopak’s plants in The Netherlands and Denmark have been certified under ISCC PLUS by third-party auditing firm TÜV Rheinland.