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Graham Packaging issues sustainability report

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in 2019.

L&NW Staff07.30.20

Graham Packaging has released its 2019 Sustainability Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in 2019 toward sustainability across all areas of the company and offers a glimpse into its objectives for 2020 and beyond.

“Progress has been the driving theme for what we have accomplished in 2019, as well as what we are striving for in 2020,” says Mike King, CEO, Graham Packaging. “The goals we implemented in 2018 have gained momentum, and we will continue to exhibit our passion and energy to create positive change for our customers, community and employees.”

Throughout 2019, Graham Packaging made strides in key initiatives outlined in its 2018 Sustainability Report.

Some of the achievements from 2019 summarized in the report include:

56% increase in the use of rPET content
65.7 million pounds of HDPE PCR content consumed
375 million containers diverted from landfills by Graham Recycling Operation
25%+ ocean-bound PCR content in a single bottle
6% overall reduction in energy usage
100% renewable energy used by two Graham facilities in Brazil
19.4% combined decrease in scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions

These achievements are tied to Graham’s commitment to sustainability-focused organizations that promote environmentally responsible behavior, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Recycling Partnership and the Better Plants Program. Graham Packaging is leveraging its relationships with these organizations and others to achieve the following by 2020:

Reducing energy usage by up to 5% as part of an overall 25% energy reduction by 2028
Increasing its use of PCR — including ocean-bound plastic — by incorporating an average of 10% PCR
Conducting more than 25 life-cycle assessments to help communicate the value of sustainability to its customers
Innovating to provide product lightweighting, recyclability, durability and reusability
Reaching a goal of 98% of its products being recyclable by continuing to design for recyclability across all product lines

“While we recognize the challenges of adopting aggressive sustainable packaging practices, we also acknowledge it is a commitment that is both necessary and achievable,” explains Tracee Auld, chief sustainability officer, Graham Packaging. “As a leader in sustainable packaging for five decades, we accept and embrace the responsibility we have to our customers, consumers and the planet to help create a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.”