Diverting waste from landfills is a heavy lift for any company that is serious about its sustainability goals. PAC Worldwide was one of those able to raise the bar, with the company diverting an estimated 8,200 tons worth of packaging over the course of a year.

That metric, which translates to 450 truck loads (based on the capacity of an 18-ton garbage truck), is one of several highlights from PAC’s recently released annual sustainability report. The Seattle-based flexible packaging leader focused heavily on reduction initiatives in 2024, implementing reuse and circularity programs.

A significant factor in the company’s success was finding ways to use reusable instead of single-use materials wherever possible, along with a concerted effort to recycle and reuse materials throughout its global operations. Another win was offsetting 100% of electricity use in five manufacturing facilities across North America. The company achieved the mark through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs).

Other highlights included:

• Partnering with Sustainable Solutions Corporation to create a zero-waste playbook to roll out company-wide
• Completing Scope 1,2, and 3 greenhouse gas calculations with Maui Foster & Alongi Inc.
• Completing RCS100 Certification for the PAC Polyjacket available with 100% recycled content.
• Renewing Chain of Custody Certifications for the PAC Ecojacket and Kraft Airjacket, through Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI-02026), as well as Mailjacket, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC-C173614).
• Obtaining Fibre Box Association Certification for the PAC Ecojacket

PAC Worldwide President Thomas Parenteau said, “After operating for half a century, finding sustainable ways to protect goods is more crucial than ever for PAC. As industry leaders, we have a responsibility to set the standard and drive meaningful change. Sustainability is not just a priority – it is a pillar of our company.”

While that commitment starts within, success requires cooperation from many industry stakeholders, notes John Bartell, Vice President of Sustainability for PAC.

“We continue to make significant progress in creating alignment between our supply chain, recyclers, and other industry partners, who in many cases are navigating uncharted waters,” said Bartell. “It’s a complex rubric, but together we are working through those challenges and, in the end, delivering products that benefit our customers – and the planet.”