Graphic Packaging International has outlined a bold sustainability agenda, including a target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
The announcement coincides with the release of the company’s 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, which details its ‘Better, Every Day’ sustainability strategy.
The packaging giant has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable consumer packaging, and its new goals underscore this commitment.
"Our Vision 2030 business strategy marks an increased commitment to sustainability, innovation, and our culture," said Graphic Packaging president and CEO Michael P Doss.
"This vision will advance our path toward global leadership in sustainable consumer packaging and motivate us to deliver products that are better for our customers, better for consumers, and better for our planet."
Central to the latest sustainability strategy is a drive for circularity in paperboard packaging.
The company claims to have replaced 450 million plastic packages with paperboard in Europe alone and has filed more than 100 new packaging patents.
Beyond environmental impact, Graphic Packaging is focused on social responsibility and governance.
The company reports a workforce growing in representation, with 28% women globally and 34% ethnic diversity in the US.
Safety is also a key focus, with a recordable incident rate 46% below the industry benchmark.
In terms of its path to net zero, Graphic Packaging has set science-based targets aligned with a 1.5°C global temperature rise.
The company is investing in renewable energy such as its recent virtual power purchase agreement in Europe and is exploring emerging technologies to address emissions from its manufacturing processes.
"Establishing clear, actionable near-term targets is a critical first step in achieving the GHG emissions reductions needed to limit global warming," said Graphic Packaging vice-president and CSO Michelle Fitzpatrick.
"As we look beyond 2032, we anticipate that new, scalable carbon-abatement innovations and evolving regulations will provide the decarbonisation solutions needed to define our longer-term path to net-zero GHG emissions."
The company’s 2023 ESG report aligns with global reporting standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainable Accounting Standards Board, Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, and the UN Global Compact.
