Meet Liv Bente

What does it take to ensure that milk, juice, water, soup—or any product inside an Elopak carton—tastes exactly as it should, and nothing else? For Liv Bente Strandos, Manager of Sensory Services at Elopak’s Technology Center in Norway, the answer lies in a blend of science, testing, and detective work. 

Understanding sensory perception  

At Elopak, innovation isn’t just about new carton shapes or filling machines. It’s also about what you can’t see.  Sensory testing at Elopak relates to food safety, taste, and integrity throughout the shelf life of a product.  That’s where Liv Bente’s sensory lab comes in. 

– We test the interaction between the product and the packaging materials. Our work is rooted in sensory science, which explores how sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing affect our perception of food and drink. 

Requests from customers and colleagues around the world land on Liv Bente’s desk. Whether it’s testing a new coating, polymer, printing inks or closure, or troubleshooting a taste issue, each sample is prepared and served to trained sensory assessors under ISO-controlled conditions. 

– It is important that the test environment ensures non-biased, professional assessments that give reliable results. All the sensory assessors are qualified and trained. The data is processed using statistical calculations and analyzed against acceptance levels. 

– Our goal is to constantly develop a more environmentally friendly carton, while consistently delivering the natural good taste of the filled product. 

Solving smell and taste mysteries 

From raw materials like board, polymers and printing inks, to closures, and production processes, every element of packaging can influence taste. External factors such as wrapping, pallets, filling equipment, and even operator handling—what Liv Bente calls “the human factor”—can also play a role. 

– All of these factors, either just one or a combination, could give an unwanted off taste. It is important that we know the impact of all the variables throughout the whole value chain when supporting market units with troubleshooting a sensory issue. You need all the pieces to solve a puzzle.  

Making a real difference 

Liv Bente reflects on the sense of purpose that comes from systematic, analytical work to ensure the highest standards of quality and sustainability, and what it means to drive innovation and excellence in every carton produced. 

– At the end of the day, it’s incredibly motivating to know that our contributions are making a real difference. By creating more sustainable cartons for consumers around the world, we’re not only protecting the environment but also ensuring that the products inside retain their natural taste.