FBCA's New Board: Leading the charge for circular and sustainable food and beverage packaging

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) is proud to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors, ushering in a new era of global leadership to advance sustainable and circular packaging solutions for beverage cartons. The new Board reflects a wealth of expertise across industries, with leaders dedicated to driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

We extend our gratitude to the members of our two our predecessor boards, the Association for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE), chaired by Kristiina Veitola of Tetra Pak, and EXTR:ACT, chaired by Inge Eggermont of Elopak, for their exceptional leadership and dedication. Their efforts laid the foundation for FBCA’s evolution into a global platform and their contributions have been instrumental in positioning beverage cartons as essential components of resilient food systems.

The newly elected FBCA Board includes:

Patrick Verhelst, President of FBCA and Senior Director of Business Development, Elopak

Patrick Verhelst brings over 25 years of experience as a global growth executive, having held leadership positions at companies spanning paper (DS Smith), plastics (General Electric), and packaging (Amcor Flexibles, Coveris, and Elopak). Known for his results-driven approach and innovative vision, Patrick has consistently championed sustainability as a core value in enhancing customer value and strengthening supply chains. At Elopak, he leads sustainability initiatives that align packaging solutions with ambitious environmental goals while protecting food and extending shelf life.

Ulrika Wedberg, Vice President of FBCA and EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs, Billerud

Ulrika Wedberg brings extensive experience from Sweden’s base industries, including steel, rubber, and fiber, and has held leadership roles in sustainability at Sandvik and Trelleborg. Her expertise spans corporate law, M&A, and sustainability strategy, with a focus on aligning operational drivers with long-term environmental goals. At Billerud, Ulrika leads efforts to develop fully renewable packaging solutions and advance public policy that supports circular economies.

Karina Boers, Head of Sustainability Development, SIG

Karina Boers is a global leader in sustainability, regulatory affairs, and circular economy practices. With over a decade of experience, Karina has spearheaded initiatives to enhance recycling and resource efficiency while driving systemic change in sustainable packaging. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). As SIG’s representative on the FBCA Board, Karina is committed to fostering partnerships and advocating for robust policies that advance the environmental performance of beverage cartons.

Erik Hallberg, Vice-President Coating, Converting and Digital Technology, Stora Enso

With a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Erik Hallberg has over two decades of experience in the global packaging industry, holding leadership positions in sales, operations, and R&D. At Stora Enso, Erik oversees innovations in sustainable forest management and packaging materials, driving advancements that contribute to reducing climate impact. His expertise in leveraging data and research to benchmark progress ensures that the FBCA remains at the forefront of sustainable packaging development.

Tamara Bullock, Director Corporate Affairs, Europe and Americas, Tetra Pak

Tamara Bullock is a global corporate affairs expert with more than 20 years of experience across top-tier businesses and government. At Tetra Pak, she leads the company’s government relations and public policy efforts, with a focus on sustainability, circular economy, and food safety. Fluent in four languages, Tamara is an expert negotiator and advocate for the food packaging industry, building coalitions and delivering impactful policies to advance sustainability goals.

The FBCA looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders worldwide under this new leadership to achieve its vision of sustainable, renewable, and circular packaging solutions.