See new packaging innovations in one convenient place at PACK EXPO East
Get up to speed on the latest innovations in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO East, March 18 – 20 in Philadelphia. Don’t miss out!

Co-packer’s Sustainability Study Results in New Strategy

The South Atlantic family of contract packaging companies analyzes its business’s carbon footprint, with the results of the LCA driving an ambitious climate pledge for 2050.

Results of a carbon footprint study conducted by South Atlantic Packaging and Wake Forest University are reported in the company’s ‘April 2021 Sustainability Report.’
Results of a carbon footprint study conducted by South Atlantic Packaging and Wake Forest University are reported in the company’s ‘April 2021 Sustainability Report.’

In sustainability, as with most other business processes, the saying holds true that you can’t manage what you can’t measure. In early 2021, the South Atlantic family of contract packaging companies—South Atlantic Packaging of Winston-Salem, N.C., ProStar Contract Packaging of Pottstown, Penn., and Versatile Packagers of Tampa, Fla.—worked with graduate students from the Wake Forest University Masters of Management Program to analyze its carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce that footprint.


Read article   Access this resource on sustainable packaging and technology from Packaging World.


FootprintResults of the study, outlined in the companies’ “April 2021 Sustainability Report,” showed that 62.7%, or 1418 metric tons, of its carbon emissions are the result of Scope 3 emissions; 28.3%, or 640 metric tons, are the result of Scope 2 emissions; and 9%, or 204 metric tons, come from Scope 1 emissions. To reduce its Scope 1 emissions, which come directly from sources owned or controlled by the organization, South Atlantic says it will “take steps to improve efficiency and conservation.” Scope 2 emissions are generated through the purchased electricity consumed by the organization. To eliminate these emissions, South Atlantic says it will be switching to renewable sources of energy. Scope 3 emissions are the consequence of activities by the organization, but happen from sources not owned or controlled by the company, e.g., waste, water, and travel. Says South Atlantic, “These emissions are largely unavoidable but can be eliminated through carbon offset investments.”

As a result of the study, the three co-packers have made an ambitious climate pledge, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “By 2050, we pledge to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50%. By 2050, we pledge to have net zero emissions,” South Atlantic says. “Meeting these goals will help us work towards limiting global warming and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the earth’s climate.”


PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO (Sept. 27-29, Las Vegas Convention Center) will reunite the packaging and processing community. With over 1400 exhibitors, no other event in 2021 will bring together a more comprehensive gathering of suppliers offering new products, technologies, and solutions. Attendee registration is now open.


How Can You Honor a Leader?
Induction into the Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame is the highest honor in our industry. Submit your leader to be considered for the Class of 2024 now through June 10th. New members will be inducted at PACK EXPO International in Chicago
Read More
How Can You Honor a Leader?
Discover innovations from 400+ packaging & processing suppliers.
The largest PACK EXPO East in history is March 18-20 in Philadelphia! In one convenient location, you’ll discover new technology from top suppliers, get quality problem-solving time with experts and learn the latest trends in free educational sessions.
Read More
Discover innovations from 400+ packaging & processing suppliers.