Food and Beverage Carton Alliance launches as global powerhouse

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) has officially launched, uniting two prominent European organisations, ACE (The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment) and EXTR:ACT. This merger establishes a single platform dedicated to promoting beverage cartons as sustainable, renewable, and circular packaging solutions.

FBCA’s ambition extends beyond Europe, aiming to bring together beverage carton manufacturers and paperboard suppliers on a global scale. The alliance is focused on driving innovation in sustainable packaging that supports food security, reduces waste, and advances low-carbon circular economies.

Beverage cartons are positioned as a critical component in resilient food systems. By leveraging renewable materials and improving their environmental performance, these cartons help extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reduce food waste, and ensure the safety and quality of products.

The organisation is led by a newly elected board comprising senior figures from its founding members. This leadership team represents expertise across key areas of sustainability and business development within the beverage carton industry. FBCA’s goal is to optimise the entire life cycle of food and packaging systems, ensuring the long-term viability of the sector.

Patrick Verhelst, President of the FBCA Board, said: Our industry is working tirelessly in designing fully renewable and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of both consumers and the planet. We are excited to expand globally and champion the role of beverage cartons in building a more resilient, low-carbon future.

By collaborating with industry leaders and global stakeholders, FBCA aims to contribute its expertise to the development of effective regulatory frameworks for food packaging. The alliance seeks to ensure the beverage carton industry remains an integral part of a thriving, sustainable future for food systems worldwide.

Annick Carpentier, FBCA Executive Director of Global Advocacy, said: Through FBCA’s Global Centers of Expertise, Advocacy and Communications, we will provide the evidence and benchmarks needed to lead the way in sustainability progress. We look forward to working with global partners in driving a circular bioeconomy, maximizing functionality and efficiency along the life cycle.