Sebastian Bartels appointed to lead Food and Beverage Carton Alliance’s global expansion
The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA), headquartered in Brussels, has announced the appointment of Sebastian Bartels as its new director general. With over 20 years of international experience in driving strategic changes across diverse sectors, Bartels takes the helm at a crucial juncture for the Alliance, which is expanding its initiatives beyond Europe in the pursuit of resilient food and beverage systems and a transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
Patrick Verhelst, the president of the FBCA board, expressed enthusiasm regarding Bartels’s capabilities, stating, “We are excited to welcome Sebastian. His deep expertise in sustainability and broad experience across different sectors and geographies make him the right person to lead FBCA’s next chapter.” The board is optimistic that Bartels will enhance the Alliance’s influence, extending its reach from grassroots engagement to significant international policy discussions, alongside fostering expertise in circular value chains.
Bartels arrives at FBCA with a wealth of experience across various fields, including manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and energy, where he acquired firsthand insights into operational and sustainability challenges faced by different markets. His recent role involved leading the Sustainability Services focus area at DEKRA, managing a global portfolio of over 500 services aimed at promoting sustainable business practices and supporting clients in their energy transition. Before that, he oversaw global quality and safety strategy at Deutsche Bahn, where he was integral in managing international governance on risk, safety, and quality.
In addition to his extensive business acumen, Bartels carries significant political and public service background, having served six years as an elected city councillor and held leadership roles in various national and international industry bodies. His multifaceted expertise positions him well to engage with the Alliance's members, driving a robust conversation around the pivotal role of food and beverage cartons in reducing waste and reinforcing secure, low-carbon food systems.
“Joining FBCA is a tremendous opportunity," Bartels remarked. "Food and beverage cartons are crucial in today’s marketplace for promoting sustainability, and I look forward to collaborating with our members to strengthen the industry’s global voice and innovate across the value chain.” This statement reflects a commitment not only to the operational aspects of sustainable packaging but to the broader implications of food security and climate action.
The establishment of FBCA stems from the strategic merger of the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) and EXTR:ACT, aimed at unifying stakeholders in the beverage carton value chain. The new organisation strives to present beverage cartons as essential renewable and circular packaging solutions, enhancing food security while minimising environmental impact. The Board, which includes leaders from major companies such as Elopak, Billerud, SIG, Tetra Pak, and Stora Enso, is poised to spearhead initiatives that encourage sustainable practices within the industry.
As FBCA embarks on this new chapter under Bartels's leadership, its mission remains vital amid increasing demands for sustainable solutions in food and beverage packaging. The coming years will likely see significant evolution in how the Alliance influences global policies and practices, driving the industry towards a more sustainable and circular future.