Elopak opens first US carton plant at Little Rock, Arkansas

Norway-headquartered global packaging company Elopak has opened its first US carton converting plant in Little Rock, Arkansas. The factory cost USD 100 million and will produce Pure-Pak cartons for liquid dairy products, juices, plant-based drinks and liquid eggs.

Local officials joined Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the factory site in Little Rock.

‘Demand for our low-carbon, sustainable cartons in North America has been growing at an unprecedented rate for several years. This new factory will serve both new and existing customers across the US, reaching millions of Americans every day,’ said Körmendi. ‘I am sincerely grateful to the whole team at Elopak Americas, as well as local officials, for helping us to deliver this factory on budget and on time. This plant is a cornerstone of our ‘Repackaging tomorrow’ strategy to double revenues by 2030. Today, I am very excited that we have taken a big step towards achieving that goal.’

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders highlighted Elopak’s investment in the state: ‘Arkansas beat out several other states for this project, showing that cutting taxes, investing in education, and building up our workforce is the key to bringing new companies to our state. Thank you to Elopak's leadership for your investment in not only the US, but in the Natural State.’

After the ribbon-cutting, Elopak hosted guests and media for a reception, featuring speeches by Thomas Körmendi, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., executive director of Arkansas Economic Development Commission Clint O’Neal, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Port of Little Rock chairman Clay McGeorge, and Elopak Americas president Lionel Ettedgui.

The company announced plans to build a US production plant in June 2023, and construction started in March 2024, taking just under a year to complete. In September 2024, Elopak announced it was bringing forward plans to add a second production line at the plant after initial capacity sold out before the factory even opened. This line will be fully operational in 2026 and contribute a further USD 110 million in annual revenue. 

Elopak selected the Port of Little Rock for its new factory owing to the site’s connections to road and rail transportation, as well as proximity to the city’s airport. The factory employs 100 people. All carton folding, scoring, packing and loading is fully automated, improving efficiency and optimizing employee safety. Like all Elopak plants, the factory will use 100 percent renewable electricity.  

‘We have built a unique and strong foothold in the North American market. Elopak now has several production plants covering the continent from north to south,’ concluded Körmendi.