A recent study undertaken by Roland Berger* highlights that an EU wide collection target for beverage cartons would considerably contribute to the realization of the already set recycling target of 85% for packaging and board at EU level. Read the report to find out about the results.

* The study was commissioned by ACE and written by Roland Berger.

With the commitments and targets set in the 2030 Roadmap, the industry will strive for its packaging to continue to actively contribute towards the ambitions of the EU Green Deal, specifically climate neutrality, circularity, biodiversity and resilient food systems, while never compromising the health and safety of consumers. 

On average around 1 million tons of beverage cartons are put on the market annually in EU30. ~75% of the milk and 59% of the juice are packed in beverage cartons in Europe.

This report focuses on the environmental performance of beverage cartons compared to alternative packaging options for liquid food and beverages. Circular Analytics reviewed life cycle assessment studies commissioned by members of ACE (‘The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment’), as well as further studies identified by conducting a literature search carried out for dairy products and no- carbonated softdrinks such as juice covering the EU or markets within the EU.

Our world is facing major challenges. We know that climate change is a serious threat to human existence, driving a call to change the way we produce and consume. As a key part of our daily life, packaging offers essential functionalities protecting food and beverages, allowing their safe use and transport and preventing food waste. At ACE we believe packaging can and should contribute to the EU Green Deal ambitions while not compromising on health and safety for consumers.

ACE converters self-commitment on third-party verified traceability systems for wood fibres.