12 Apr SA’s first water in carton

In response to rising consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly packaging, Woodlands Dairy in the Eastern Cape has chosen Elopak’s two-litre Maxi curve Pure Pak carton to launch its First Choice Still Water.

Comments Johan de Smidt, MD of Elopak SA: “Today, the environmental challenges connected to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are greater than ever; and it becomes paramount for all companies to adopt truly sustainable business practices – taking responsibility for the entire supply chain.

“As the beverage carton is based on renewable resources from natural forests, Elopak is directly dependent on nature; and the importance of environmental sustainability has always been a part of Elopak’s DNA.

“Generally speaking, carton-based packaging does not have a major impact on the environment, but that doesn’t excuse packaging companies from taking their environmental responsibilities seriously, nor brand owners from selecting the most environmentally-responsible type of packaging for their products, whenever possible. It’s a fact that Elopak’s main product, the carton container, has a very favourable CO2 footprint, compared to other commonly-used packaging media. Further, it comes from a renewable source, is recyclable, and has a carbon footprint up to three times better than a plastic bottle,” he adds.

Says Tinus Pretorius, GM sales & marketing at Woodlands Dairy: “Our prepared water is produced using premium water and reverse osmosis technology. The result is simple – purified water with a great taste. If you’re looking for healthy water with a clean taste, then our water should be a first choice. What’s more, our cartons are mainly made from paper, which comes from trees, but not any trees. Our cartons are made from trees sourced from well-managed forests – which means that it’s good for nature, too.”

He adds that there are three key criteria for environmentally-sustainable packaging:

•  Renewability: To what extent the packaging is based on renewable raw materials
•  Low carbon footprint: The total carbon emissions from the packaging’s entire life cycle
•  Recyclability: To what extent the packaging can be – and is – recycled after its original use