Shaping the future of sustainable packaging
Anna, Kristiane and Aamund are making it real
Meet Kristiane, Aamund and Anna from our Board Development Department.
With educational backgrounds in chemical engineering, they use their expertise to drive innovation from our Technology Center in Norway, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the sustainability and functionality of our products.
Paperboard makes up the core of our cartons. Both sides of the board are coated with one or more layers of other materials, creating barriers that ensure they have the right properties for different products. Kristiane Melingen (28), Aamund Westermoen (26) and Anna Syrjänen (32) focus on improvements to the paperboard, looking at ways to make it lighter, improve its recyclability, and reduce its environmental impact.
Aamund Westermoen, Project Engineer“It is truly fascinating to work in such an industry where I get to learn new things every day”
The department is unique in its global involvement, working closely with colleagues, suppliers, and customers in the development and introduction of new types of more sustainable boards to the market.
Kristiane Melingen, Project Engineer“What’s great about my role is that I get to work with people from every part of Elopak. I also have the opportunity of travelling to customers and suppliers all over the world”
In the field of board development, nothing is left to chance, and everything is tested. Our Technology Center is equipped to carry out comprehensive tests that simulate every aspect of the product lifecycle, from production to store shelf. These tests include filling tests, drop tests, transport tests, and conveyor belt tests, all designed to evaluate the durability and reliability of our cartons.
Anna Syrjänen, Manager Board Development“I am very proud every time I see one of our cartons in the store and know the role the Elopak team has played in getting it to the market”
One standout innovation that the Board Development Department has contributed to is the Pure-Pak® carton made with Natural Brown Board. Introduced in 2016, these cartons are manufactured with unbleached paper fibers, leading to a reduced carbon footprint since unbleached fibers are stronger and so less material is needed to produce the paperboard. It boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Kristiane, Aamund, and Anna play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable packaging solutions. They are deeply involved in developing a critical technology area within our company and industry. We are proud to have such talented individuals on our team, leading the way in creating more sustainable solutions for the future.
To learn more about Natural Brown Board, you can watch the film Food for Thought, made for Elopak as part of a series presented by FoodDrinkEurope and produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions.