Elopak to be 100% FSC Certified by 2013

In Europe, 100% FSC certification will be achieved by 2013. Elopak market units in the Czech Republic, UK & Ireland and Sweden were the most recently certified, and will be followed in summer 2012 by Finland, Norway and Italy - with Poland and Hungry currently underway.

23 Aug 2012 --- The journey towards sustainability began in 2010, when Elopak was Chain-of-Custody certified by Det Norske Veritas according to the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Since then, an implementation programme of FSC certification in its units and converting plants has been rigorously underway. The goal is to reach 100% FSC compliancy in all our operations, including joint ventures, by 2015.

In Europe, 100% FSC certification will be achieved by 2013. Elopak market units in the Czech Republic, UK & Ireland and Sweden were the most recently certified, and will be followed in summer 2012 by Finland, Norway and Italy - with Poland and Hungry currently underway. The Joint Venture company in South Africa has been FSC certified and is already working with customers to launch FSC labelled cartons.

In the Americas, Elopak’s main plants in Canada, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are all in the process of obtaining certification by the end of 2012.

Achieving FSC certification is only half the story for Elopak and its markets. Sales of FSC cartons continue to increase year on year. In Europe alone they have grown from 170 million in 2010 to 1.2 billion in 2011. Elopak is continually working with customers to increase the use of FSC cartons and this is an ongoing process. Part of this has involved educating markets about the benefits of FSC certification that go beyond the now-famous, tick-tree logo.  

“All our converting plants in Europe are now FSC certified which means we can deliver to all customers who want FSC cartons,” says Fatima Aitmedjane, FSC Manager. “As we continue the roll out of FSC certification country by country, our role as a packaging supplier is increasingly to help customers see the benefits of choosing FSC for their business and the consumers.”

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organisation devoted to the responsible management of the world’s forests. Its high standards ensure well managed forestry practices that are environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable.

As consumers become more knowledgeable about environmental issues and demand that the products they buy and the services they use are more responsible, the FSC answers many of today’s buying decision issues. Our customers worldwide are seeing these values and how FSC packaging can help their business protect our planet.

FSC cartons can now be delivered to all customers in Europe. By the end of 2013, all of Elopak’s fully-owned production plants and market units will be certified according to FSC standards.