Elopak closed 2025 with record financial results and major progress in sustainable carton packaging, supported by new production capacity in the United States and a series of material and closure innovations.
The Norwegian packaging group opened its first US carton converting plant in Little Rock, Arkansas, in April 2025. The USD 100 million facility is Elopak’s first production site in North America and is designed to serve growing demand for locally produced fibre-based packaging.
The company has already confirmed plans to add a second and third production line at the site, with the next line expected to start operations in 2026.
Strong Financial Performance
Elopak reported its highest quarterly EBITDA on record in the third quarter of 2025, reaching EUR 49.1 million. The company achieved an EBITDA margin of 17.0% and organic revenue growth of 1.2% during the period.
The Little Rock facility delivered its first profitable quarter in Q3, underlining how US packaging capacity is becoming an increasingly important growth driver for European carton suppliers expanding outside their home markets.
New Carton Materials And Recycled Polymers
In May 2025, Elopak launched Natural White Board, a new paperboard material that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 14% compared with standard carton board. The material removes traditional clay coating and lowers plastic content while maintaining carton performance.
The innovation was first adopted by Rørosmeieriet, a Norwegian organic dairy producer, and will be rolled out across Elopak’s Pure-Pak® carton range in additional markets.
In June, Elopak introduced its first cartons containing a mix of recycled and renewable polymers, developed in partnership with Orkla Home and Personal Care. The D-PAK™ cartons use circular polyethylene and bio-circular polymers sourced from vegetable-based waste.
The development supports upcoming EU packaging regulation requirements, including recycled content targets under the PPWR framework.
Investment In Fibre-Based Closures
As part of its packaging innovation strategy, Elopak invested in Blue Ocean Closures, a Swedish technology company developing moulded fibre closures. The agreement grants Elopak exclusive worldwide rights to market and distribute fibre-based caps for its gable-top cartons.
The partnership aims to reduce plastic use in carton closures and support Elopak’s longer-term Scope 3 emissions reduction targets.
Focus On 2026 Capacity Growth
Looking ahead to 2026, Elopak is focused on ramping up production at its US site, expanding the availability of Natural White Board, and progressing fibre-based closure development for commercial rollout.
The company continues to position fibre cartons as a low-carbon alternative to plastic packaging across food, beverage, and non-food FMCG categories.
