Eco-Friendly Packaging & Sustainable Printing

Our Environmental Commitment

At Greiner Packaging, sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility—it's embedded in every aspect of our operations, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life product management.

Since 1868, we have evolved from a traditional glass manufacturer to a leader in sustainable medical packaging. Our 2025 sustainability strategy focuses on three pillars: circular economy integration, carbon footprint reduction, and responsible resource consumption.

We recognize that healthcare generates significant waste, which is why we're committed to developing packaging solutions that meet stringent medical standards while minimizing environmental impact. Our Monroe, NC facility operates as a zero-waste-to-landfill site, and we've invested $12 million in renewable energy infrastructure since 2020.

Environmental Certifications & Standards

Recognized for our commitment to environmental management

ISO 14001:2015

Environmental Management System certified since 2008. Annual surveillance audits ensure continuous compliance.

Carbon Neutral Facility

Monroe plant achieved carbon neutrality in 2023 through renewable energy and verified carbon offsets.

FSC Certified

Forest Stewardship Council certification for all paper-based packaging materials and secondary packaging.

LEED Gold Certified

Our new R&D facility in Monroe earned LEED Gold certification in 2022 for sustainable building design.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

How we minimize environmental impact across our operations

Recyclable Materials

All Greiner packaging is manufactured from 100% recyclable polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) resins. Our blood collection tubes use PET plastic, which has a global recycling infrastructure. We've eliminated PVC from our product portfolio since 2015.

92% of products are single-material for easy recycling
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in non-medical packaging
Designed for circular economy compatibility

Energy Efficiency & Renewables

Our Monroe facility operates on 68% renewable energy through on-site solar arrays (2.1 MW capacity) and purchased green power. We've reduced energy consumption per unit by 31% since 2018 through equipment modernization.

LED lighting throughout all facilities (100% conversion)
Heat recovery systems on injection molding machines
Smart HVAC systems reduce idle energy by 40%

Waste Management

Zero-waste-to-landfill operations achieved in 2021. All manufacturing scrap is reground and reused in non-medical applications or sold to certified recyclers. Hazardous waste generation reduced by 78% through process optimization.

98.7% diversion rate from landfills (2024 data)
Closed-loop water recycling system saves 8M gallons/year
Composting program for organic cafeteria waste

Our Environmental Performance

Measurable progress toward sustainability goals

68%

Renewable Energy Use

Target: 80% by 2026

31%

Energy Reduction per Unit

Since 2018 baseline

98.7%

Waste Diversion Rate

Zero-waste-to-landfill since 2021

18,500

Tons CO₂ Avoided

Annual carbon reduction (2024)

Carbon Footprint Reduction Roadmap

Our commitment to climate action aligns with the Paris Agreement goals. We've reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% since 2018 and are working with suppliers to address Scope 3 emissions.

42% Achieved

Target: 50% reduction by 2030 (vs. 2018 baseline)

Innovation for a Greener Future

R&D programs advancing sustainable medical packaging

Bio-Based Plastics Research

We're collaborating with the University of North Carolina to develop bio-based polypropylene from renewable feedstocks for medical device applications. Phase II trials began in January 2024, targeting 30% bio-content in non-critical packaging by 2027 while maintaining ISO 13485 compliance.

Status: In Development | Investment: $4.2M over 3 years

Lightweighting Program

Since 2020, we've reduced the weight of our VACUETTE blood collection tubes by 18% through advanced mold design and thinner wall technology. This saves 420 tons of plastic annually and reduces transportation emissions by 12%. Our goal is 25% weight reduction by 2026 without compromising tube integrity or vacuum reliability.

Status: Ongoing | Annual Savings: 420 tons plastic, $680K freight costs

Water Conservation

Our closed-loop cooling water system, installed in 2019, recycles 8 million gallons annually. We've also implemented rainwater harvesting for non-process uses and achieved a 41% reduction in freshwater consumption per production unit since 2017. All wastewater is treated on-site before discharge, meeting EPA standards.

Status: Active | Impact: 8M gallons/year saved

Supplier Sustainability Program

We're working with our top 50 suppliers (representing 85% of spend) to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Our Supplier Sustainability Scorecard evaluates environmental performance, and we prioritize partners committed to Science-Based Targets. Since 2022, 12 key suppliers have implemented renewable energy programs.

Status: Active | Participation: 38 of 50 suppliers enrolled