Elopak’s "Green Challenge," a program of environmental initiatives that has already reduced the company's CO2 emissions by 12%, was featured Oct. 2 on the "Responsible Business" television series in the United Sates, Europe and Asia. The series is produced by Global Initiatives for CNBC in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program.

The six-minute film can be viewed at: http://www.responsiblebusiness.tv/Elopak290910.mov

“The series is part of a long-standing partnership with UN agencies," said Shelby Fuard, head of TV production for Global Initiatives, based in Singapore. "It showcases leading corporations and grassroots organizations that are developing business-driven solutions for today’s most pressing global challenges… not only for profits and reputation, but because they believe it is the right thing to do.

"Elopak fits perfectly with this," he continued. "Its Green Challenge engagement with employees forms the linchpin of its environmental strategy. It is a great story to tell -- a story that demonstrates that simple ideas can make a difference. In this world today that is such an important message.”

Each episode in the "Responsible Business" series features four stories from organizations that are producing effective, positive environmental initiatives. The Elopak segment was part of the first episode in the third series. Filmed primarily at one of Elopak’s main carton converting plants in Terneuzen, The Netherlands, it focuses on key initiatives developed from the Green Challenge. Elopak's environmental strategy and its Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) traceability system also are highlighted.

“Green Challenge has engaged over 3,000 employees to develop initiatives in line with our goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% by the end of 2010," explained Sveinar Kildal, Elopak’s environment director. "It has generated simple, practical and ingenious ideas for reducing our impact on the environment. Many have already been put into action, from a new compressor and cooling system at Terneuzen (mentioned in the film), solar panels, electronic invoicing and salary slips to simply putting light sensors in restrooms and using energy-saving light bulbs. This alone helped reduce energy consumption by 25% at the Dutch site.

“At Elopak our story begins with a core product, the paperboard beverage carton, which already has a favorable carbon footprint compared to other packaging," Kildal continued. "This, and the acknowledgement of our environmental responsibility, has provided the principles on which to build an effective environmental strategy operated across the entire supply chain alongside our customers, suppliers and partners. We are delighted and proud to be part of the Responsible Business series and hope others benefit from viewing our film.”


Elopak is one of the world’s leading suppliers of packaging systems for liquid food products. It develops, manufactures, sells and services complete systems for the packaging of non-carbonated liquid food products, including dairy, juice, wine, water and soup. Elopak is a well-known and established supplier of gable-top cartons through its Pure-Pak system. In 2009, the company, including joint ventures, employed about 3,000 people, had a turnover of EURO 734 million and produced 12.4 billion cartons. With organizations and associates in more than 40 countries and customers in more than 100, the Elopak Group seeks to bring its international expertise and product technology to new markets. Go to www.elopak.com for more information.

Global Initiatives promotes positive social change and sustainable global development through international events, television and media projects. The Responsible Business series explores the role of the corporation in advancing sustainable economic and social development and solving global problems through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Promoting the principles put forth by the United Nations Global Compact, the series presents companies who are demonstrating leadership in adopting these principles throughout their business. The series highlights issues, such as poverty, climate change, human rights, corruption, education and healthcare, and explores innovative strategies and partnerships that place corporate citizenship at the center of international business. Each episode showcases companies that are setting new benchmarks for measuring business, social and environmental success.


Keith Langham
Brewer Associates Marketing Communications
734/458-7180
klangham@brewer-associates.com