Südpack publishes its sustainability report for 2020 and 2021

Südpack published its 4th sustainability report - Corroborating the progress made in 2020 and 2021 with hard data. Top 50 firms have been committed to the three categories of ecology, economy and social responsibility.

On the second page of the 84-page sustainability report, data illustrates that sustainability is key in all areas at Südpack. For example; 63 MWh of energy has been generated using its own renewable sources. 57 % of its total investments are in new technologies that help to improve sustainability. 30 % of its turnover is generated by sustainable products and waste has been reduced by 15%. 

In contrast to its previous report for 2020, areas of activity that are essential for Südpack and its stakeholders have been redefined. The latest report is now divided into: Corporate governance, sustainable efficiency, circular economy, climate protection and social responsibility. 

In addition to its new set of guiding values, corporate governance; also includes the economic pillar of sustainability and sustainable efficiency. Progress has been made in all areas during both financial years and documented accordingly in the report, “Südpack continues to work intensively on the development of extremely material-efficient, recyclable and therefore sustainable material structures. Its pure-line range featuring PP and PE-based high-performance films, its aluminium-free doypack and its film solution that is free of halogenic substances for the manufacture of blister packaging are examples of this.”

Circular economy
Investments are underway – in new business models, technologies and in circular economy. During the preparation and recovery of recyclable materials, the film producer simultaneously pursues two targeted solutions with mechanical and chemical recycling. Its internal material management uses regranulation and compounding aims to return mechanically recycled plastic waste to film production. Südpack also expects to be able to convert existing and hitherto non-recyclable packaging and plastic waste into valuable resources on an industrial scale in future. 

“As one of the leading film producers, our goal must be to continue to retain all the materials that enter our cycle within the cycle,” said Carolin Grimbacher, managing partner, Südpack.

Climate protection
Both these initiatives demonstrate Südpack’s Zero Waste claim. However, zero waste is only part of its ambitious sustainability strategy. The central goal is net zero. The company group aims to avoid greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible and offset any unavoidable emissions. Its corporate carbon footprint provides an essential basis for this: by 2025, 95 % of direct greenhouse gas emissions and those from energy needs (Scope 1 and Scope 2) are to be reduced, as well as 15 % of indirect greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain (Scope 3). 

Other measures include the increased use of renewable energy as well as additional investments in photovoltaic systems. As of 2022, German sites use 100 % renewable energy, along with carbon-neutral natural gas. To ensure that all its climate protection efforts are actually in keeping with the highest standards of the Paris Climate Agreement, Südpack joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2022.

Social responsibility
As a company that has been family-owned since it was founded in 1964, Südpack is committed to people. In the latest edition of its sustainability report, the film producer also defines its operational framework and presents a number of projects that have been successfully implemented in recent months. 

“In a dynamic market environment, how do we want to shape the future of Südpack, how do we as a company want to be represented in public and finally how do we integrate new sites and employees into our organisation? We are convinced that we can only continue to be among the best in our industry if everyone shares and embraces the same values,” said Carolin Grimbacher.

Sustainability awards
Südpack consistently continues to develop its sustainability roadmap and also constantly pursues its ambitious goals. “Think and act holistically,” is the company’s motto. In order to help other, hitherto less active companies also achieve a more sustainable future. WirtschaftsWoche has chosen Germany’s most sustainable SMEs 2022 and Südpack is among the best. It was also nominated in the Industrial company with more than
250 employees category for the 2022 Environment Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg.