Elopak scales production with third line at Arkansas plant amid growing demand

USA – Norway-based global packaging company Elopak has announced plans to install a third production line at its state-of-the-art carton converting plant in Little Rock, Arkansas, marking another milestone in its U.S. growth strategy.

The expansion, budgeted at US$30 million, aims to meet increasing customer demand for sustainable paper-based beverage packaging across North America.

The Little Rock facility, which officially opened in April 2025, produces Pure-Pak® cartons for liquid dairy products, juices, plant-based beverages, and liquid eggs.

The plant’s expansion was unveiled during Elopak’s latest quarterly results presentation, underscoring the company’s confidence in the region’s long-term market potential.

Elopak first announced plans for its U.S. manufacturing base in June 2023, with construction starting in March 2024 and completing in less than a year.

The company added a second production line in September 2024, which is set to be fully operational by 2026.

The upcoming third line will significantly boost capacity and enhance operational flexibility, enabling Elopak to better serve regional customers seeking low-carbon, renewable packaging options.

“Our investment in the third line reflects strong and sustained demand from North American beverage producers,” said Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak.

“It also reinforces our commitment to providing sustainable, high-quality packaging solutions that align with the growing shift away from plastic toward renewable materials.”

Strengthening sustainable packaging capacity

The Arkansas plant represents a key element in Elopak’s strategy to expand its Pure-Pak® carton technology globally, offering recyclable and renewable alternatives to plastic bottles.

The new line will feature advanced automation, optimized energy efficiency, and reduced waste systems, furthering the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Elopak’s expansion mirrors broader industry moves toward sustainable and localized production.

In 2024, Tetra Pak announced upgrades to its Denton, Texas facility to support renewable material integration, while SIG unveiled plans for a new paper-based carton factory in Mexico to serve North American markets.

With this third production line, Elopak strengthens its U.S. manufacturing footprint and establishes Little Rock as a critical hub for sustainable carton packaging.

The project reinforces the company’s vision of driving the transition toward low-carbon, circular packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of both brands and consumers.

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