Elopak opens $100 million manufacturing plant at Little Rock Port

Norwegian-based global packaging company Elopak officially opened its first U.S. carton converting plant at the Little Rock Port Authority Wednesday (April 30). CEO Thomas Körmendi and Americas President Lionel Ettedgui joined local and state officials to launch the new $100 million plant that will employ 100 workers in central Arkansas.

The state-of-the-art factory will produce cartons for liquid dairy products, juices, plant-based drinks, and liquid eggs.

“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 United States, 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,” he added.

“This isn’t just a plant, it’s a statement. It’s a commitment,” said Ettedgui.

Gov. Sarah Sanders, who spoke by video at the ribbon cutting, noted that Elopak’s factory was a highly competitive effort.

“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 United States, but in the Natural State,”” said Sanders.

Founded in 1957, Elopak announced it would locate at the Little Rock Port in December 2023. It originally was set to be a $70 million investment employing 80 workers. The company employs 2,850 worldwide and has 12 manufacturing locations. It produced 16 billion cartons in 2024.

The process of using cartons instead of glass products began in 1915 in the milk industry, but reducing glass and plastic containers with recyclable carton materials is a growing consumer trend.

Körmendi said the sustainable packaging industry accounts for nearly 50% of milk and juice cartons in Europe and 33% in the U.S. He added that he expects his company to grow to $2 billion euros in revenue by 2030. The company generated $1.157 billion euros in revenue in 2024.