Graphic Packaging Holding Company has unveiled its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, showcasing notable advancements in its ESG Vision 2025.

The company not only reached its climate intensity objectives three years ahead of schedule but also spearheaded efforts to establish fresh, science-based climate targets aimed at reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, Graphic Packaging significantly exceeded industry benchmarks, with its U.S. employee base exhibiting over double the expected ethnic diversity, underscoring its unwavering dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Determinedly steering towards a future driven by sustainable resources, Graphic Packaging prioritises eco-conscious practices. The majority of its packaging solutions, sourced from either sustainably managed forests or recycled materials, underscore the company's eco-friendly commitment.

An impressive 65 per cent of its energy derives from renewable sources, and most of its packaging is designed to be easily recyclable, thereby promoting the principles of a circular economy.

"We are unceasingly dedicated to crafting packaging solutions that are both resource-efficient and readily recyclable, while responsibly managing our use of natural resources," affirmed Graphic Packaging's President and CEO, Michael P. Doss. "We empower our clients, some of the world's foremost consumer brands, to embrace recyclable packaging, helping them achieve their sustainability objectives while reshaping their approach to product packaging for the future."

Key highlights from the 2022 Graphic Packaging ESG report encompass:

PLANET

• Surpassing climate intensity objectives ahead of schedule, setting the stage for science-based climate targets to curtail greenhouse gas emissions.
• Diverting a substantial 1.1 million metric tonnes of waste from landfills, with an impressive 85 per cent comprised of recovered paper waste that was subsequently recycled.

PEOPLE

• Achieving a remarkable 30 per cent ethnic diversity rate among U.S. employees, a substantial 2.3 times higher than the industry standard according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (2022).
• Witnessing a significant increase in female representation, with women now comprising 33 per cent of the executive leadership team and 29 per cent of vice president roles, signalling an unwavering commitment to expanding gender diversity.

PRODUCTS & PARTNERS

• Demonstrating environmental responsibility, one-third of the company's fibre-based consumer packaging products now incorporate 100 per cent recycled fibre content.
• Remaining steadfast in the pursuit of the goal to ensure that 100 per cent of its global facilities comply with fibre certification standards, thereby endorsing sustainable forest management and sourcing practices for forest products.

Global Sustainability Commitments

Graphic Packaging actively participates in two global sustainability initiatives. Since 2021, the company has taken proactive steps to establish carbon emission reduction goals aligned with climate science, a move aimed at mitigating global warming.

This proposal has been under review by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) since early 2023. Additionally, Graphic Packaging remains resolute in its commitment to integrating the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) into its business operations and aligning its sustainability aspirations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Michelle Fitzpatrick, Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasised the company's daily progress in delivering positive outcomes for people, the planet, and the company's overall growth and sustainability. She stated, "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."

This latest ESG report follows Graphic Packaging's recognition in 2022 as one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for the third consecutive year. Moreover, the company earned a coveted GOLD medal rating from EcoVadis, a prominent evaluator of companies' environmental, labour, and human rights practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Graphic Packaging also achieved leadership ratings for its disclosures in both CDP climate and CDP water categories.

ESG Website and Reporting Frameworks

For those interested in delving deeper into the company's ESG journey and sustainability news, the 2022 ESG Report and related information are readily available on Graphic Packaging's website.

The company adheres to comprehensive reporting standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidelines, and aligns its disclosures with the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework and the United Nations Global Compact Communication on Progress.

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To view and compare company ESG Ratings and Sustainability Reports, visit our Company ESG Profiles page.

Source: PRNewswire