The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) has appointed sustainability leader Sebastian Bartels as its new Director General, marking a strategic milestone as the organization expands its global mission to support low-carbon and circular packaging systems.
FBCA, the result of the merger between the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) and EXTR:ACT, now represents a broader mandate that includes both beverage and food carton packaging. Bartels steps into the role with over 20 years of experience driving sustainability and strategic transformation across diverse industries and regions.
“Sebastian brings deep expertise in sustainability and a proven ability to lead across complex value chains,” said Patrick Verhelst, President of FBCA’s Board. “He’s the right person to amplify our global reach and influence, from grassroots initiatives to international policy advocacy.”
Bartels most recently led Sustainability Services at DEKRA, where he managed a global portfolio of over 500 services supporting sustainable business operations and energy transition. His prior roles include Head of Global Quality & Safety Strategy at Deutsche Bahn and leadership positions across packaging, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. He also brings public service experience as a former city councillor and contributor to industry bodies at national and international levels.
“Food and beverage cartons are vital to building secure, low-waste food systems,” said Bartels. “I’m honoured to lead FBCA at this exciting moment and look forward to accelerating innovation and sustainability with our members worldwide.”
With Bartels at the helm, FBCA aims to further strengthen its advocacy for fibre-based packaging, uniting manufacturers and paperboard suppliers to advance resilient, circular food systems globally.
Based in Brussels, the Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) is a global platform uniting carton manufacturers and paperboard suppliers. Formed from ACE and EXTR:ACT, it promotes fibre-based cartons as safe, circular, and sustainable packaging for resilient, low-carbon food systems.
