Expanding the frontiers of packaging

What’s it like to lead a team of 500 people at a factory that almost never stops running? For Peter Lernout, plant manager at Elopak’s largest factory in Terneuzen, Netherlands, no two days are the same. One morning might kick off with meetings on improving production processes or tackling supply chain challenges, while the afternoon could dive into new investments or HR discussions. Variation isn’t just part of the job – it’s the job. 

Easing into new responsibilities 

Luckily, Peter has had the opportunity to grow into his role over the years. He joined Elopak in 2014 as a production manager responsible for part of the production process. Over time, his responsibilities grew, leading to his promotion to plant manager four years ago. This journey was supported by both formal training and the guidance of his manager. 

– Over the years, I’ve completed internal and leadership training programs. About five years ago, I realized I needed a refresher in controlling and finance, as I saw that as a potential gap for becoming a plant manager. I discussed it with my manager, and in addition to formal training, I also got the chance to sit in on financial meetings to observe the discussions and gradually take on a more active role 

The support from Elopak has enabled Peter to ease into his different roles, and today, he ensures his co-workers get opportunities to grow and develop. 

– Elopak is a company that doesn’t stand still. We’re always looking for new roads and horizons to discover. That suits people who are driven and open to new opportunities. This is a company where you can grow and make mistakes as long as you learn from them. 

Packaging: a part of every day 

Peter has worked in the packaging industry since 2007. One of the things he finds most fascinating about packaging is that it’s an everyday item in every supermarket and home. 

– I can pick up a milk carton at the supermarket and know that it’s something we made. Based on the code, I can even tell which day it was produced and on which converting line. 

With about 4.5 billion cartons leaving the Terneuzen plant every year, there’s a good chance that a gable-top carton found in a European supermarket—or many other places around the world—was produced by Peter and his colleagues. 

Beyond the dairy aisle: the new frontiers of packaging 

A significant change in recent years is the expanding use of the classic carton package beyond its traditional place in the dairy and beverage aisles. Increasingly, there’s interest in using fiber-based packaging for a range of household and personal care products, such as laundry detergent, soap, or mouthwash. 

The Terneuzen plant plays a key role in this transformation, as many new packaging solutions are tested and produced here – in 2024, 50 million packages were produced for this new segment. Peter often hosts visitors from non-food companies who are exploring more sustainable packaging options. 

– We’re seeing a lot of interest from the non-food industry. Many of them are unfamiliar with carton packaging, so they come here to learn. They’re often impressed by the complexity of the process and how much goes into creating a package.