SÜDPACK Ranks Among the Top 10 Sustainable Mid-Sized Companies in Germany for the Second Consecutive Year

July 7, 2023 Off By Sebastian Reisig

SÜDPACK, a leading film manufacturer, has been recognized as one of the top 50 sustainable mid-sized companies in Germany for the second year in a row, according to the industry-wide sustainability ranking by WirtschaftsWoche. Climbing up from its previous position at 36, SÜDPACK has now secured the 10th spot in the prestigious ranking. The study, conducted by Munich Strategy on behalf of the renowned business magazine, analyzed the activities of 4,000 companies in the areas of environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG criteria) through a complex algorithmic process.

The WirtschaftsWoche’s issue 26/2023, titled “Fair and Crisis-Resistant,” extensively covered the study, emphasizing the benefits of investing in environmental friendliness and fairness, particularly during uncertain economic times. SÜDPACK’s commitment to sustainability was acknowledged, as the company has been investing in various initiatives ranging from sustainable production processes and products to comprehensive efforts in recycling and circular economy practices, along with social and environmental responsibility.

Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of the SÜDPACK Group, affirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, stating that they are delighted their efforts have been recognized and that they have achieved a higher ranking in the second edition of the cross-industry study.

To identify sustainability leaders among German mid-sized companies, Munich Strategy evaluated sustainability reports, as well as press and social media activities, of companies with revenues ranging from €10 million to approximately €1.5 billion. Based on the data, the experts calculated a Sustainability Score, which served as the basis for selecting the top 400 companies for in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. The assessment considered ecological aspects as well as social responsibility and governance.

SÜDPACK consolidates all its activities and goals in ecology, economy, and social responsibility in a comprehensive sustainability roadmap. The results, supported by robust data, are regularly published in voluntary sustainability reports. As a technology and innovation leader in the industry, SÜDPACK not only stands out with groundbreaking products but also plays a significant role in promoting a functioning circular economy in the plastics industry.

Although sustainability initiatives require substantial investments and efforts, SÜDPACK believes that all stakeholders, including the environment, people, the industry, and the company itself, benefit in the end. The company’s portfolio of resource-efficient and recyclable film solutions and packaging concepts, combined with its expertise in developing customized solutions, provides competitive advantages. A sustainable corporate approach strengthens the brand and reputation, demonstrating a visible commitment to climate, nature, and society. Moreover, it helps address current challenges, including labor shortages, energy management, and the circular economy.

Investing in sustainability brings benefits, and to offer a holistic view of its films and packaging concepts, SÜDPACK provides customers with a new LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) tool. This tool enables a systematic analysis of the environmental impacts and energy balance of products throughout their entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal. SÜDPACK’s primary goal is to minimize negative influences and develop circular packaging solutions based on valid data to contribute to their vision of becoming a zero-waste company.

The LCA tool also assists in making decisions regarding end-of-life scenarios. As the only flexible film manufacturer with a partnership with Carboliq, SÜDPACK has direct access to chemical recycling capacities, enabling the recovery of valuable liquid resources from previously unrecyclable plastic fractions, such as multilayer films used in food packaging. Additionally, the company offers mechanical recycling options through its own regranulation and compounding facilities.

SÜDPACK’s achievement of being recognized by WirtschaftsWoche through a comprehensive analysis is both inspiring and challenging. The company is committed to continuously taking the necessary steps toward sustainability, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and the industry as a whole.