Environmental Sustainability

We take our responsibility to the environment seriously at Bemis through a variety of programs and initiatives designed to help us and our customers meet our environmental goals.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recover

In manufacturing all Bemis products, we strive to use minimal raw materials and to minimize toxicity, waste, production processes, and energy consumption.  In our flexible packaging business, Bemis resells or reprocesses a majority of our in-plant polyethylene trim materials.  We are also committed to creating thin, strong packaging that minimizes environmental impact, particularly when compared to alternative, bulkier packaging options.  In our pressure sensitive materials business, we have replaced most solvent-based adhesives with more environmentally-friendly alternative adhesive technologies and have recycling programs in place for many of the materials commonly used in the manufacturing process like cores, pallets, and scrap metal. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency has been a major area of focus in Bemis’ environmental sustainability initiatives worldwide. Recent projects undertaken to reduce energy usage in our manufacturing locations include:

  • the replacement of high intensity discharge lighting with more efficient fluorescent lighting,
  • the installation of lighting controls to ensure that areas are only lit when they are occupied,
  • a reduction in compressed air pressure in certain plants to lessen the electric drive power required,
  • the installation of variable speed drives on oxidizers in several facilities to reduce the volume of natural gas necessary for incineration,
  • and the installation of a heat recovery system to an oxidizer to recover waste heat and supplement natural gas.

In addition, approximately 18% of the energy we use globally is generated from renewable sources, including wind, biomass and other power.

Technology for Tomorrow

Bemis’ research and development teams provide our customers with cost-effective, technologically advanced solutions that incorporate environmentally responsible developments.  In addition to activities like right-sizing and downgauging, Bemis is actively involved in the evaluation of alternative materials.  For example, in 2007, Bemis embarked on a partnership with Plantic Technologies Limited to develop and sell renewably resourced flexible films in North America using patented Plantic technology. The alliance will result in new packaging materials based on resin developed using high-amylose corn starch for use as a component of or as a stand-alone structure in flexible packaging for food applications. Bemis also offers biodegradable shrink film made from corn, a renewable resource. This film, called Clysar® PLAnet™, is 100% biodegradable and is used as an alternative to petroleum based films.

Data Collection and Analysis

Bemis strives to gather accurate, timely information on our environmental impact.  In addition to the carbon emissions information gathered as part of our annual participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project, Bemis facilities worldwide gather data and report internally on topics such as waste generation, water usage, and energy efficiency as part of our World Class Manufacturing program.

To view some of the sustainability initiatives at various Bemis businesses, please see:

Registered with the Carbon Disclosure Project

Since 2006, Bemis has participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s annual information requests, providing data on our carbon emissions and responses to general issues dealing with climate change.

Member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition

Sustainable Packaging Coalition

Bemis is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, an organization devoted to the development and promotion of truly sustainable packaging solutions.

Sustainability