Introducing The Food and Beverage Carton AllianceIntroducing The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance

Two like-minded groups become one unified platform to champion renewability and circularity in Europe, with a vision for global expansion.

Packaging Digest Staff

January 23, 2025

1 Min Read
FCBA - a new group promoting the circular economy.

At a Glance

  • The new group merges EXTR:ACT and ACE, two European groups operating across Europe.
  • The new FBCA board includes leaders from Elopak, Billerud, SIG, Tetra Pak, and Stora Enso.

On January 22, the Brussels, Belgiuim-based Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) officially launched to promote package circularity for beverage cartons. It was formed from the merger of two complementary groups: ACE, the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment; and EXTR:ACT, a carton industry initiative promoting the recycling of beverage cartons and fiber-based multi-material packaging in Europe.

The FCBA envisions expanding beyond Europe to unite beverage carton manufacturers and their paperboard suppliers to promote sustainable packaging solutions that enhance food security, reduce waste, and advance low-carbon circular economies.

The new organization sees food and beverage cartons as essential components of resilient food systems that play a crucial role in extending the shelf life of perishable foods, reducing waste, and ensuring safety and quality for consumers worldwide.

The FBCA board includes five founding members:

  • Patrick Verhelst, president of FBCA and senior director of business development, Elopak

  • Ulrika Wedberg, vice president of FBCA and executive vice-president of sustainability & public affairs, Billerud

  • Karina Boers, head of sustainability development, SIG

  • Tamara Bullock, director of corporate affairs, Europe and Americas, Tetra Pak

  • Erik Hallberg, vice-president of coating, converting, and digital technology, Stora Enso

Related:Package Recycling Stats by the Numbers

“Our industry is working tirelessly in designing fully renewable and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of both consumers and the planet,” Patrick Verhelst, board president, said in announcing the new group.

Annick Carpentier, FBCA executive director of global advocacy added that the group will work with global partners “in driving a circular bioeconomy, maximizing functionality and efficiency along the life cycle” and that FCBA’s Global Centers of Expertise, Advocacy and Communications “will provide the evidence and benchmarks needed to lead the way in sustainability progress.”

Learn more at FCBA’s website or LinkedIn page.

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