ACE, a body representing European beverage carton manufacturers, and its members SIG Combibloc, BillerudKorsnäs, Elopak, Stora Enso, and Tetra Pak, have set out a number of new sustainability pledges.
Through its new roadmap, the industry is committing to taking action in all parts of the industry value chain, from sustainable sourcing to climate impact and recycling.
Increasing the collection and recycling of beverage cartons to reach a 90% collection rate and at least a 70% recycling rate by 2030, and the decarbonisation of the industry’s value chain in line with the 1.5C aligned science-based targets are included in the ten commitments.
In line with the vision of ACE members, the partnership pledges that, by 2030, beverage cartons will be made only from renewable and/or recycled material, fully recyclable and recycled, and made entirely from sustainably sourced raw materials. Ultimately, ACE seeks to facilitate beverage cartons becoming the packaging solution with the lowest carbon footprint.
“The industry has set high and ambitious standards for the next ten years,” says Annick Carpentier, director-general of ACE. “We look forward to fostering a dialogue with EU decision-makers to ensure that the necessary regulatory conditions are in place to support the industry’s journey towards beverage cartons as the sustainable packaging choice for today and tomorrow.”
With the commitments and targets set in the 2030 Roadmap, the industry will seek to ensure that its solutions actively contribute towards the ambitions of the EU Green Deal, specifically climate neutrality, circularity, biodiversity, and resilient food systems, while not compromising the health and safety of consumers.
“The industry continues to invest in innovation and technology to increase beverage carton recycling,” comments Marcelle Peuckert, president of ACE. “The industry needs an enabling policy framework that will continue to support our investments and innovation over the next decade.”
ACE members have outlined clear deliverables, will report on the roadmap’s overall progress on a regular basis, and will develop, add and adapt metrics should they not currently exist, also in partnership with others.
