CarbonNeutral^® cartons

Elopak’s CarbonNeutral® packaging supports three key projects, contributing not only to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but also improved livelihoods and health and societal benefits, beyond the cartons’ own value chain.

Water boreholes, Kenya
This Gold Standard certified project in the coastal region of Kenya, provides clean drinking water to small rural communities through the repair and installation of boreholes.

Using a vertical pipe casing and well screen, the boreholes can extract clean water from the ground and communities no longer have to purify water by boiling it. This project is based around Kilifi County which is on the coast, north of Mombasa. So far more than 60 boreholes have been rehabilitated, benefiting about 37,000 people. With easy access to clean water, families no longer have to collect firewood for boiling, saving time and reducing deforestation.

Without a functioning borehole, women spent an average of 2 hours 50 minutes per day collecting water, which reduced to 47 minutes per day after the borehole in the region was rehabilitated
Read more about Water Boreholes in Kenya

Mangrove planting, Kenya
As an add-on to the water project, Elopak supports the planting of mangroves in the same region. As it takes time for trees to grow and capture carbon, these are not calculated into the actual carbon emission offsetting. Mangroves are estimated to store up to four times more carbon than rainforests, making them a highly effective natural climate solution. The project is also creating local jobs and new opportunities for the locals.

Over 80% of Kenya’s mangrove forests have disappeared. On Mtwapa Creek, near Mombasa, the mangrove forests have been destroyed to provide fuel and income for local communities. The deforestation has been so severe there is space for at least 100,000 trees. A local conservation group based in the area is raising seedlings to restore the coastal mangroves.
In order to present a new alternative to local communities, beehives are installed in the trees – providing a new income source from the sale of honey. Medicinal honey is in high demand and particularly valuable in the markets.
Read more about Miracle Mangroves
Read more about Miracle Mangroves in Kenya

Efficient cookstoves, Ghana
An efficient, easy-to-use stove, reduces fuel use by 50%, reducing the health impacts of indoor air pollution and saving money.

Many countries rely on biomass or charcoal for cooking, which is a root cause of poverty, poor health, gender inequality, and environmental degradation. The stove used by this project is popular for its ease of use and robust design, being durable yet portable. By reducing charcoal fuel consumption by over 50 percent compared to traditional stoves, households throughout Ghana are able to realise significant financial benefits, leaving more to spend on essential items like family health and education. Investment in the project has established a local production facility based near Accra, with over 20 local technicians and artisans trained at stove manufacturing, and a distribution network generating income for more than 200 retailers.
Read more about the project