Sustainability and Responsibility: The Critical Role of A Plastics Manufacturer

Earlier this month, our own Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability, Dr. Scott Carter, was featured in the 2024 fourth quarter edition of the Illinois Manufacturer's Association (IMA) Magazine. Here is a brief excerpt of his extensive and informative article, 'Sustainability and Responsibility: The Critical Role of A Plastics Manufacturer'. Click here to read the full article.

'As discussions continue surrounding climate changes and ways we can collectively protect the environment, the question may arise: why should a plastics manufacturer care about sustainability? While the connection between plastics manufacturing and environmental stewardship may not be immediately apparent, the reality is that our industry has a profound impact on the planet, making it imperative for manufacturers to prioritize sustainability efforts.

The thermoforming industry, responsible for everything ranging from food packaging, small electronics shields, and even medical trays, has been critically examining its environmental impact. Manufacturers in this space must recognize our responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint and make efforts to embark on a comprehensive sustainability journey. This commitment needs to extend beyond general compliance with regulations; it’s about doing what’s right for the planet and future generations—and our responsibility to the community in which we operate. To this end, Tek Pak has set ambitious goals, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2033. This bold objective serves as a guiding principle for all our sustainability initiatives, and this is something every manufacturer can employ as we continue to look to the future of industry operations.

Just as we routinely think outside of the box to find solutions for our customers, we must think outside of the box to help us reach these challenging, but achievable, goals. As a plastics manufacturer operating in the thermoforming industry, we must recognize the significance of adopting responsible practices in our daily operations. Taking a multifaceted approach that encompasses various strategies, actions can include optimizing production processes to minimize waste, maximizing energy efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources wherever feasible. Additionally, specific to the sector, actively investing in research and development to develop innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that reduce reliance on traditional plastics and promote circularity is something we all need to consider as regulations continue to increase in this space.'

To read the article in its entirety, you can view it on our News Page or the Illinois Manufacturing Associations’ (IMA) website (page 14). Our commitment to our clients is to provide them with high-quality and innovative thermoforming solutions, and we would love to discuss your packaging needs. To get started, you can visit our contact page, give us a call, or request a quote.