September 19, 2024

Driving Sustainable Change: Morris Packaging’s Commitment to Responsible Consumption and Production

Sustainability is crucial for future resilience and success. Morris Packaging leads the way in responsible consumption and production systems.

Morris Packaging is fully committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12)—Responsible Consumption and Production. We strive to meet this standard, focusing on environmentally conscious packaging solutions.

A graphic for morris packaging that highlights one of the UN's sustainability goals - specifically sdg 12 (sustainable development goal 12) that is for responsible consumption and production.

Embracing the Power of Recycled Materials 

At Morris Packaging, we are fully committed to sustainability through the use of recycled materials. This reflects our dedication to the circular economy and our pledge to minimize our environmental impact, setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices in our industry.

A graphic for Morris Packaging showing their facility in the background with the text "Morris Packaging offers a variety of sustainable attributes across its product range, guaranteeing packaging solutions that meet the highest environmental standards and addressing customer demands for eco-friendly options," over it.

Innovations in Recycled Content

We have significantly enhanced our product line by utilizing materials with up to 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, introducing options that combine eco-friendliness with consumer appeal. 

A graphic that says "recyclable offerings include roll stock, stand-up, resealable pouches, flat bottom, and quad bags." Showing some of Morris Packaging's sustainable options.
35% recycled content is offered at no cost increase to propel the sustainability market. 

Extensive Recycling Strategy

One example is through our partnership with Pallet Resource Corporation, Morris Packaging is a strong advocate for a circular economy, focusing on the reuse and recycling of materials. Pallet Resource Corp is key to this effort, turning irreparable pallets into woodchips, mulch, or animal bedding. This collaboration aligns with our environmental goals and sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in the industry.

Responsible Waste Management

We love plastic, we hate plastic waste. At Morris Packaging, we are committed to reducing waste and upholding our environmental values through practical strategies. Morris Packaging proudly supports How2Recycle®, enabling us to assist clients in designing compliant packaging and offering pre-qualified structures to streamline the process.

Merging Reuse and Recycling

In the past years, our products were either made with recycled content or recycle-ready, keeping our sustainability strategy's “Reuse” and “Recycle” pillars separate. In 2023, we achieved a significant milestone by combining these pillars. We developed a structure that is made of 20% recycled content and has been pre-qualified as store drop-off recyclable by How2Recycle®

This innovation ensures the product maintains critical performance metrics, works seamlessly with customer-filling equipment. With this innovation, we guarantee our products align with recognized industry standards and meet customer demands for recyclable packaging solutions. 

*Note that additional components, product applications, or other attributes may change the final recyclability of the package.*

A graphic highlighting how Morris Packaging is a proud member of How2Recycle. Renewable, Sustainable, and Responsible.

Innovating for Energy Efficiency and Lifecycle Assessments

At Morris Packaging, we track our greenhouse gas emissions and aim to reduce our emission intensity each year. 

Efficiency Improvements 

New dock doors reduce heat loss, and a refined maintenance protocol increases machinery uptime. 

Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs)

We provide customers with insights into the environmental impacts of our packaging products on fossil fuel usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage. Learn more and receive an LCA assessment by clicking here.  

Utility Demand Response

In 2023, we extended our demand response commitment with our utility provider to help balance electricity use and lower carbon emissions. We saved enough energy to equal what 500,000 homes use in a day, demonstrating our dedication to being eco-friendly and keeping the power grid stable.

Conserving Water and Mitigating Pollutants

Morris Packaging is dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint through water conservation and pollution reduction. We demonstrate this commitment by installing low-flow fixtures, showcasing a conscientious approach to conserving water.

Pollution Audits

Morris’s pollution audits evaluate the company's contribution to storm runoff, air emissions, odor, noise pollution, and light pollution. These audits are designed to ensure Morris Packaging not only meets environmental standards but also pinpoints areas for enhancement. By conducting these reviews internally, the company actively works to reduce pollutant emissions, comply with regulatory mandates, and further protect the environment from the negative impacts of industrial activities.

Chemical Safety: Reducing PFAS

Morris Packaging is dedicated to eliminating any intentionally added per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from our products. This initiative is crucial as PFAS are artificial chemicals that naturally occur in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, posing significant health risks. Working exclusively with vendors that provide documentation confirming the absence of intentionally added PFAS has allowed us to take a noticeable step toward reducing harmful chemicals, showcasing our commitment to safer, more sustainable packaging solutions. 

At Morris Packaging, we are focused on making packaging more sustainable to help create a cleaner environment. By supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12, we show our dedication to finding new solutions and taking responsibility for the environment, with the goal of making a big impact in the industry.

Two employees at morris packaging working together with the roll stock which is part of the company's sustainable offerings

A Vision for a Sustainable Future 

Morris Packaging’s innovative use of pre- and post-consumer recycled content, waste reduction, and energy efficiency highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices allows us to extend the lifespan of resources while advocating for a new standard for sustainability in the packaging industry. Visit our website to discover how Morris Packaging is shaping a greener future and how you can contribute to responsible consumption. 

Morris Packaging is headquartered in Bloomington, IL, with production facilities in Plymouth, MN, and Jefferson City, MO. Our dedication to using recycled materials, reducing waste, and enhancing energy efficiency sets new benchmarks for sustainable practices in the industry. Explore career opportunities and learn more about our commitment to sustainability at www.morrispkg.com.