PAC Worldwide has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts, as detailed in its recently released annual sustainability report. The Seattle-based flexible packaging company reported diverting an estimated 8,200 tons of packaging waste from landfills in 2024—an impressive volume equivalent to about 450 truckloads of an 18-ton garbage truck. This achievement exemplifies the company’s commitment to circular economy principles, focusing particularly on reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives across its global operations.
Central to PAC’s sustainability progress is its strategic shift from single-use materials to reusable alternatives. The company has embedded circularity programs and reuse frameworks throughout its manufacturing sites, coupled with an ambitious energy strategy. Notably, PAC offset 100% of electricity consumption in five North American manufacturing facilities through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs), supporting its net-zero ambitions.
The report highlights several key accomplishments. PAC succeeded in reducing Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 32.65%, cutting approximately 883.72 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2023. Additionally, the company achieved a 4% decrease in Scope 2 emissions compared to the previous year. Alongside emissions reductions, PAC lowered overall energy consumption by 17.33%, using less than 51.5 million kWh, and trimmed water usage by 9.59% to 13.84 million gallons. The cumulative effect included a net reduction of approximately 18,421 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent attributed to combined emission scopes.
In product development, PAC increased the use of post-industrial recycled content to 21% within its poly products—marking the highest level in nearly five decades of operation—and used recycled materials for 36% of its film, including 17% post-consumer recycled content. PAC’s commitment to designing recyclable packaging is further underscored by multiple certifications: the PAC Ecojacket received ‘Optimally Recyclable’ status from How2Recycle and recyclability certification from Trex’s NexTrex program. Additionally, the PAC Polyjacket was certified for containing 100% recycled content, and the PAC Ecojacket, Kraft Airjacket, and Mailjacket mailers secured Chain of Custody certifications via Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council.
The company also collaborated with Sustainable Solutions Corporation to develop a zero-waste playbook aimed at company-wide deployment, reinforcing its commitment to waste minimization and environmental responsibility. PAC Worldwide President Thomas Parenteau remarked, “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.”
John Bartell, PAC’s Vice President of Sustainability, highlighted the complexity of the sustainability landscape: “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. 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.”
PAC’s sustainability initiatives also align with broader industry movements, including participation in the U.S. Plastics Pact and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment Pledge, signalling the company’s dedication to collaborative industry-wide progress on sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, PAC Worldwide has set clear targets to ensure that by 2025, all its products will be recyclable, reusable, or compostable, including a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled content, demonstrating leadership in fostering a circular economy within the packaging industry. This approach not only aims to reduce environmental impact but also encourages demand for recycled content, supporting the entire recycling value chain.
Overall, PAC Worldwide’s comprehensive sustainability report and associated actions reflect a robust approach to reducing environmental footprints, combining operational changes, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful progress in packaging sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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