A partnership between the Carton Council, Elof Hansson USA Inc. will bring a new recycling manufacturing facility to Lodi, CA by the end of Q3 2025.
The facility is designed to transform post-consumer food and beverage cartons into durable, sustainable building materials. The facility will support regional recycling efforts and help meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials.
“The carbon footprint of our boards is at least 80% lower than the traditional building materials that we replace,” said Jan Rayman, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Upcycling Group. “No mining, no tree cutting, and no water used or contaminated, creating a variety of boards that can be used for roofing, wallboard, and other building materials, all produced more sustainably than their traditional counterparts.”
The manufacturing method involves shredding used gable top and aseptic cartons and bonding them into large, durable sheets. The high-pressure and heat treatment process eliminates the need for water, formaldehyde glues, and hazardous chemicals, and relies entirely on cartons and other materials collected for recycling.
“This facility will enable us to turn cartons into building materials that meet the needs of modern construction while contributing to a more sustainable future,” said Staffan Nordin, managing director, Elof Hansson USA Inc. “It’s a meaningful step forward for our company, customers and the planet.”