Esko, the global provider of integrated software and hardware solutions for the packaging and label industry, has unveiled a new carbon emission calculation capability developed in partnership with CarbonQuota®. This integrated solution enables brands and packaging converters to accurately measure and reduce their environmental impact through automated carbon footprint calculations, helping them meet sustainability goals and comply with evolving regulatory requirements.
The new capability, available through Esko’s S2 platform, connects with CarbonQuota’s calculation engine to provide carbon footprint data at the design stage, during product development, and in production. This transformative approach allows companies to evaluate environmental impact throughout the entire packaging lifecycle.
“Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity across the packaging value chain. As climate change concerns intensify, consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and exerting pressure on brands to take more responsibility for their broader environmental impact.”
Geert De Proost, Director Product Partnerships at Esko went on to say, “The open nature of S2 means we have been able to work with CarbonQuota to make it possible for users to connect with their calculation engine and integrate automated carbon footprint reporting within the Esko workflow platform,” he continued. “With this new capability we are enriching our ecosystem and making it significantly easier for customers to effectively calculate the carbon footprint of any package or label design.
“To do this at the very start of the production process paves the way for the most sustainable packaging solution for the end-user,” added Geert. “This new partnership with CarbonQuota makes it simpler for our customers across the value chain to meet their own sustainability goals – driven by both mounting regulatory demands and escalating consumer expectation.”
The partnership addresses several key challenges facing the packaging industry. Brands and converters have been struggling with time-consuming manual carbon footprint calculations, and this integration automates these critical processes. With legislation like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and carbon taxes on the horizon, businesses urgently need reliable measurement tools to ensure compliance. Additionally, major brands are increasingly requiring environmental impact data from their suppliers, creating pressure throughout the value chain. The solution leverages Esko’s big data capabilities to provide actionable sustainability insights, enabling better decision-making at every stage of packaging development.
Founded in the UK in 2019 by Dominic Harris and Nathan Tiller, CarbonQuota was developed through extensive research into the most reliable and scientifically valid sources of carbon data.
“As consumer brands face mounting pressure to deliver on ambitious sustainability promises, their suppliers grapple with practical implementation challenges, creating a widening communication gap that’s further complicated by inconsistent standards and tight financial margins on both sides,” said Dominic Harris. “Brands wanted sustainability, but print and packaging suppliers couldn’t keep up. The path forward lies in finding collaborative solutions that better align these disconnected perspectives in the packaging industry.”
The carbon calculation capability is now available in the Esko S2 platform, with Cape Prime integration scheduled for June. Phoenix and WebCenter integrations are currently in development, with a comprehensive roadmap planned for 2025 and beyond.
A recent European Commission survey found that 73% of EU citizens consider a product’s environmental impact important when making purchasing decisions*. With regulatory frameworks like the EU’s PPWR, CSRD, and evolving legislation across Asia and different U.S. states, brands are now expected to track, measure, and disclose their sustainability impact with unprecedented accuracy.
“This groundbreaking platform eliminates the disconnect by standardizing methodologies, streamlining data collection, and providing verified environmental impact measurements that both brands and converters can trust,” said Geert De Proost. “This latest strategic collaboration delivers an unparalleled solution to customers, equipping brands and their packaging suppliers with the power to overcome one of the most significant challenges they face today.”
Esko and CarbonQuota recently co-hosted a webinar titled “Redefining Packaging: Sustainability Beyond Compliance,” examining the evolving regulatory landscape and how businesses can prepare for upcoming challenges. A follow-up webinar scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, will include a live demonstration showcasing how the latest version of Esko Cape palletizing software pairs with CarbonQuota technology to drive operational efficiency and measurable sustainability impact. Registration is now open here.
About Esko:
Esko is a global provider of integrated software and hardware solutions that accelerate the go-to-market process of packaged goods.
For each stakeholder in the process, Esko solutions enable them to work efficiently and deliver right-first-time packaging and marketing content on time, every time.
Our goal is to make it easier for CPG and pharma businesses to manage their packaging, labeling, regulatory and marketing content. With our packaging management platform, brand marketing and packaging teams can increase their productivity, reduce costs, and save time.
For packaging and label trade shops, premedia service providers and printer converters, we digitize, automate, and connect the entire print production process with software and hardware solutions for CAD design, prepress processes and flexo platemaking.
For more information, please visit www.esko.com.
About CarbonQuota:
A pioneering technology company specialising in carbon consulting and advanced calculation platforms for packaging, print, marketing, and logistics sectors. CarbonQuota’s innovative solutions transform complex environmental data into actionable, certified insights aligned with international standards.
We empower businesses with accurate, automated carbon footprints and customised carbon reduction strategies, to achieve meaningful environmental impact and long-term success.
