Graham Packaging issues 2021 sustainability report

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Graham Packaging, in its newly released 2021 Sustainability Report, says it used more recycled-content materials to produce its packaging last year and increased the recyclability of the packaging it offers to customers.

Among highlights the firm points to in the Environmental section of its report are that in 2021 it “created 90.4 percent ‘always-recyclable’ products” and achieved a companywide use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin of 7 percent.

Continues the firm, “The Graham Recycling Co. processed 2.5 million pounds [1,250 tons] of ocean-bound plastic” in 2021. The York, Pennsylvania-based Graham Recycling business unit is described by the firm as “a three-line operation that recycles #2 HDPE [high-density polyethylene] bottles into post-consumer resin (PCR).”

The company’s efforts to incorporate recycled materials are likely to continue, with Graham saying it completed more than 50 life cycle assessment studies last year “to help its customers lower their environmental impact.” The company also says it has launched a new Green Procurement team.

Graham Packaging’s 2021 Sustainability Report also includes sections updating its social and governance efforts, creating an overall environmental, social and governance (ESG) overview.

“In partnership with our staff, customers and key stakeholders, we have made measurable strides in environmental, social and governance initiatives to increase our overall sustainability and enhance our people-first culture,” says Tracee Auld, chief strategy and sustainability officer of Graham Packaging.

The full 72-page Graham Packaging 2021 Sustainability Report can be downloaded from this web page.