Certification of raw materials
Chain-of-custody certification systems helps consumers and industry further down in the value chain gain proof of evidence that the raw material – although several steps up the chain – is actually derived from a sustainable source.
Our main raw materials are paperboard and plastic. Some of our cartons also contain a thin layer of aluminium. We aim for certification of all fibers used in our beverage cartons, as well as all the renewable PE we are using. We also aim for certified aluminium through the Aluminium Stewardship Council, of which Elopak became members early 2021. Through our Raw Material Sourcing Policy as well as our Global Supplier Code of Conduct and our Sustainability Program, we secure a consistent approach anchored in our Procurement Team as well as our Sustainability Team.
Our approach is confirmed by our stakeholders who values certification of raw materials as a good and credible way of securing sustainable use of natural resources.
FSC
Since Elopak secured certification in 2010, the annual sales of FSC-certified cartons have steadily increased. In 2020, 100% of Elopak’s sales volume came from verified and controlled sources, of which 54% was FSC-certified (74% of the sales volume in Europe). All our FSC labelled cartons are certified throughout every stage of the value chain; from forest yield, to paperboard production, to manufacturing of the final product.
Elopak is committed to maintain living and viable forests. 100% of our cartons are verified from controlled sources, with a continuous increase in sales of FSC-certified cartons.
*The Forest Stewardship Council™(FSC™). FSC™ C081801. Look for FSC certified products – the mark of responsible forestry. www.fsc.org
ISCC Plus
ISCC stands for “International Sustainability and Carbon Certification” and is a world-wide applicable and acknowledged certification system for any kind of bio-based feedstocks and renewables. ISCC PLUS is specific for food and feed products as well as for technical/ chemical applications (e.g. bioplastics) and applications in the bioenergy sector (e.g. solid biomass).
For Elopak, it is crucial to use credible certification systems when launching renewable PE for our products. The certification ensures good practices behind all steps in the value chain from first gathering point up until finished product.