Sustainable consumer packaging leader makes progress toward a
renewable future
ATLANTA, Sept. 21,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging Holding
Company (NYSE: GPK) today published its 2022 Environmental, Social
and Governance (ESG) report, demonstrating progress on all pillars
in the company's ESG Vision 2025. The company achieved its climate
intensity goals three years early and advanced decarbonization by
seeking to set new, science-based climate targets to reduce
absolute greenhouse gas emissions. Ethnic diversity reported among
the company's U.S. employee base was more than double the industry
benchmark, underscoring its commitment to a diverse and inclusive
workplace.
Graphic Packaging is aggressively pursuing a future fueled by
renewable resources. Packaging solutions from the 27-country
operation are made primarily with fibers from sustainably sourced
trees or recycled materials. Nearly 65 percent of its energy is
derived from renewable sources. Most of the company's
packaging today is designed to be recyclable, promoting a circular
economy.
"We work relentlessly to develop resource-efficient and easily
recyclable packaging solutions that use natural resources
responsibly," said President and CEO Michael P. Doss at Graphic Packaging. "We enable
our customers — the world's leading household brands — to shift
toward more recyclable packaging. In addition to helping them meet
their sustainability goals, we help shape how they think about
packaging their products for the future."
Highlights from the 2022 Graphic Packaging ESG report
include:
PLANET
- Achieved climate intensity goals three years early, paving way
to setting science-based climate targets to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
- Diverted 1.1 million metric tons of waste from landfill, 85
percent of which was recovered paper waste that was recycled.
PEOPLE
- 30 percent ethnic diversity among U.S. employees – 2.3 times
the pulp and paper industry benchmark (per the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics 2022).
- Increased representation of women on the executive leadership
team to 33 percent and in vice president roles to 29 percent, with
a continued focus on expanding gender diversity.
PRODUCTS & PARTNERS
- One-third of fiber-based consumer packaging products were made
using 100% recycled fiber content.
- On track toward goal of 100 percent of global facilities
achieving compliance with a fiber certification standard,
demonstrating support of sustainable forest management and sourcing
practices for forest products.
Global Sustainability Commitments
Graphic Packaging participates in two global sustainability
initiatives. Since 2021, the company has taken actions to establish
carbon emission reduction goals aligned with climate science to
limit global warming. The proposal has been under review with the
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) since early 2023. The
company also remains committed to incorporating the 10 principles
of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) into its business
practices and to aligning its sustainability ambition with the UN
Sustainable Development Goals.
"We are making progress every day, delivering positive outcomes
for our people, our planet, and ultimately the growth and
sustainability of our company," said Michelle Fitzpatrick, Chief Sustainability
Officer. "Our purpose is to package life's everyday moments for a
renewable future. And we want every one of those moments to be
inherently better for people and our planet."
The new ESG report follows announcements in 2022 that Graphic
Packaging was recognized as one of America's Most Responsible
Companies by Newsweek for the third year in a row. In addition,
Graphic Packaging received a GOLD medal rating from EcoVadis, which
assesses companies on environment, labor and human rights, ethics,
and sustainable procurement, and it achieved a leadership rating
for both its CDP climate and CDP water disclosures.
ESG Website and Reporting Frameworks
The 2022 ESG Report and sustainability news can be found on the
company's website. Graphic Packaging reports in accordance with the
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainable Accounting
Standards Board (SASB) standards along with providing information
aligned with the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD) framework and the United Nations Global Compact
Communication on Progress.
About Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in
Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to
providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The
Company is a leading provider of sustainable, fiber-based packaging
solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer
products companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one
of the largest producers of folding cartons and fiber-based
foodservice packaging in the United
States and Europe and holds
leading market positions in coated recycled paperboard (CRB),
coated unbleached kraft paperboard (CUK) and solid bleached sulfate
paperboard (SBS). The Company's customers include many of the
world's most widely recognized companies and brands. Additional
information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products
is available on the Company's website at www.graphicpkg.com.
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SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company