Thomas Körmendi

CEO and President, Elopak

"This is not a problem we can simply recycle our way out of — a binding cap on plastic production is the only path to a sustainable future."

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Topics Thomas Covers

Plastic Pollution Policy Sustainable Packaging Global Plastics Treaty Fiber-Based Materials Circular Economy Corporate Sustainability Strategy

About

Thomas Körmendi is CEO and President of Elopak, a global supplier of fiber-based packaging focused on sustainable paper-based solutions. He is a leading industry advocate for a binding international treaty to end plastic pollution, including a global cap on virgin plastic production. Körmendi argues that production limits — paired with investment in low-plastic alternatives like paperboard cartons and paper-based caps — are essential to level the playing field for sustainable businesses, meet consumer demand, and create a soft landing for petrochemicals-dependent economies.

Articles by Thomas Körmendi

August 6, 2025 The Business Case for a Global Cap on Plastics As UN treaty negotiations resume in Geneva, Thomas Körmendi makes the business case for capping virgin plastic production — arguing it would level the playing field for sustainable companies, accelerate investment in low-plastic alternatives, and even create a soft landing for oil-producing economies facing inevitable petrochemicals decline. December 27, 2024 The Global Plastics Treaty Was the Biggest Missed Climate Opportunity of 2024 Global climate progress in 2024 was mixed, with advances in climate financing and packaging laws offset by stalled plastic treaty negotiations. September 26, 2024 Americans Use 50 Billion Water Bottles a Year. Can We Finally Break Up with Plastic Packaging? The future of packaging is rapidly evolving as companies and governments alike seek alternatives to single-use plastics. Thomas Körmendi explores the impact of consumer demand on packaging choices and the solutions that could redefine sustainability in the industry.

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