Plastipak’s Path to Sustainability:
Q&A With Our Champions
April 16, 2025
At Plastipak, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As we work toward a more sustainable future, we’re proud to have passionate individuals on our team, committed to making a meaningful impact. From reducing plastic waste to innovating for a circular economy in PET and HDPE plastic, our Sustainability Champions are leading the charge toward a greener tomorrow.
We spoke with a few of our Sustainability Champions to learn how Plastipak is driving change and leading innovation for a cleaner future.
Inspiration and Dedication: The Heart of Sustainability at Plastipak
Many of our Champions were inspired by leadership within their teams and their own desire to make a difference. For example, in Garland, TX, one Champion was motivated by the encouragement and support from their site manager, while in Champaign, IL, leadership recognized the potential for impact and brought team members together to elevate sustainability initiatives across the plant.
For others, the drive comes from firsthand awareness of the industry’s environmental impact. As one Champion from Bascharage, Luxembourg shared, “Working in the industry gives us a clear view of the environmental impact of our operations. When I see the amount of waste we generate as a society, I’m motivated to find ways to reduce our footprint. So when the opportunity to become a Sustainability Champion came up, I saw it as a chance to make a real difference. Contributing to positive change—even through small steps—gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride.”
Shaping a Sustainable Future: More Than Just a Job
Working at Plastipak has transformed many of our Champions’ views on sustainability. The company’s commitment to preserving the planet’s resources and reducing environmental impact drives our associates to take action. Our Champions understand that sustainability is not just about what we do today, but about ensuring that future generations inherit a world where resources are managed responsibly. This mindset shapes everything we do, from the decisions we make on the plant floor to the long-term projects we invest in.
Innovating for a Cleaner Tomorrow
Plastipak’s sustainability journey is about more than reducing waste—it’s about creating long-lasting solutions that benefit the planet. Our commitment to reusing and recycling plastic is central to minimizing our environmental footprint. Through innovative initiatives, we have recovered millions of bottles, repurposing them into valuable new products. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything we do, requiring continuous investment, creativity, and action. Turning waste into opportunity—today at the U of M vs. MSU basketball game, we’re handing out Absopure water bottles made from 44,947 lbs of recycled plastic. These bottles are made from recycled plastic collected during last November’s Recycle Bowl event at the Michigan vs. Oregon football game. This is how we turn sustainability into real action—transforming waste into something valuable for our community, one bottle at a time. By reimagining waste, we’re making a tangible impact—showing that sustainability isn’t just a concept, but a real, actionable change.
Impact Beyond the Factory Walls
At Plastipak, sustainability goes beyond our operations—it’s about making a difference in the communities we serve. In Garland, TX, we partnered with local schools to provide reusable water bottles made from recycled plastic, helping kids learn about sustainability and the circular economy.
In Champaign, IL, our team supported local efforts through Adopt-A-Highway and volunteering at the Illinois Marathon—showing our commitment to environmental stewardship at every level.
And in Gresford, UK, associates came together for the fourth year in a row, collecting over 150 Easter eggs for North Wales Superkids. Their generosity brought joy to children and families across the region and reflects the Plastipak spirit of giving back.
Leading by Example: Setting the Standard for Sustainability
Being part of Plastipak’s Sustainability Champions team is more than just a role—it’s a responsibility. Our Champions lead by example, showing that sustainable practices are not only possible but essential. By improving internal processes and collaborating with local businesses, our Champions are setting a new standard for sustainability in the manufacturing sector. Their efforts inspire others to follow suit, driving positive change across the industry.
A Sustainable Future Starts Now
Thanks to the tireless work of our Sustainability Champions, Plastipak is making significant strides toward positive change. Our commitment to reducing plastic waste, increasing recycling efforts, and fostering sustainable practices in every corner of our business is shaping a brighter, greener future. We’re proud of our progress, but there’s still much more to do. With the continued dedication of our team, we’re confident that the best is yet to come.
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.
Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.
Plastipak’s Path to Sustainability:
Q&A With Our Champions
April 16, 2025
At Plastipak, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As we work toward a more sustainable future, we’re proud to have passionate individuals on our team, committed to making a meaningful impact. From reducing plastic waste to innovating for a circular economy in PET and HDPE plastic, our Sustainability Champions are leading the charge toward a greener tomorrow.
We spoke with a few of our Sustainability Champions to learn how Plastipak is driving change and leading innovation for a cleaner future.
Inspiration and Dedication: The Heart of Sustainability at Plastipak
Many of our Champions were inspired by leadership within their teams and their own desire to make a difference. For example, in Garland, TX, one Champion was motivated by the encouragement and support from their site manager, while in Champaign, IL, leadership recognized the potential for impact and brought team members together to elevate sustainability initiatives across the plant.
For others, the drive comes from firsthand awareness of the industry’s environmental impact. As one Champion from Bascharage, Luxembourg shared, “Working in the industry gives us a clear view of the environmental impact of our operations. When I see the amount of waste we generate as a society, I’m motivated to find ways to reduce our footprint. So when the opportunity to become a Sustainability Champion came up, I saw it as a chance to make a real difference. Contributing to positive change—even through small steps—gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride.”
Shaping a Sustainable Future: More Than Just a Job
Working at Plastipak has transformed many of our Champions’ views on sustainability. The company’s commitment to preserving the planet’s resources and reducing environmental impact drives our associates to take action. Our Champions understand that sustainability is not just about what we do today, but about ensuring that future generations inherit a world where resources are managed responsibly. This mindset shapes everything we do, from the decisions we make on the plant floor to the long-term projects we invest in.
Innovating for a Cleaner Tomorrow
Plastipak’s sustainability journey is about more than reducing waste—it’s about creating long-lasting solutions that benefit the planet. Our commitment to reusing and recycling plastic is central to minimizing our environmental footprint. Through innovative initiatives, we have recovered millions of bottles, repurposing them into valuable new products. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything we do, requiring continuous investment, creativity, and action. Turning waste into opportunity—today at the U of M vs. MSU basketball game, we’re handing out Absopure water bottles made from 44,947 lbs of recycled plastic. These bottles are made from recycled plastic collected during last November’s Recycle Bowl event at the Michigan vs. Oregon football game. This is how we turn sustainability into real action—transforming waste into something valuable for our community, one bottle at a time. By reimagining waste, we’re making a tangible impact—showing that sustainability isn’t just a concept, but a real, actionable change.
Impact Beyond the Factory Walls
At Plastipak, sustainability goes beyond our operations—it’s about making a difference in the communities we serve. In Garland, TX, we partnered with local schools to provide reusable water bottles made from recycled plastic, helping kids learn about sustainability and the circular economy.
In Champaign, IL, our team supported local efforts through Adopt-A-Highway and volunteering at the Illinois Marathon—showing our commitment to environmental stewardship at every level.
And in Gresford, UK, associates came together for the fourth year in a row, collecting over 150 Easter eggs for North Wales Superkids. Their generosity brought joy to children and families across the region and reflects the Plastipak spirit of giving back.
Leading by Example: Setting the Standard for Sustainability
Being part of Plastipak’s Sustainability Champions team is more than just a role—it’s a responsibility. Our Champions lead by example, showing that sustainable practices are not only possible but essential. By improving internal processes and collaborating with local businesses, our Champions are setting a new standard for sustainability in the manufacturing sector. Their efforts inspire others to follow suit, driving positive change across the industry.
A Sustainable Future Starts Now
Thanks to the tireless work of our Sustainability Champions, Plastipak is making significant strides toward positive change. Our commitment to reducing plastic waste, increasing recycling efforts, and fostering sustainable practices in every corner of our business is shaping a brighter, greener future. We’re proud of our progress, but there’s still much more to do. With the continued dedication of our team, we’re confident that the best is yet to come.
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.
Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.