The Sustainable Business Council has recognized Green Bay Packaging Inc. as a 'Green Master' within its Green Masters Program®. Since all businesses are at different points in their sustainability journey, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master. Green Master status signifies that Green Bay Packaging has identified and is effectively managing its material sustainability issues and performance related to those issues, takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability, and is actively leading the transformation to a more sustainable society.
Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is a recognized leader in sustainability, continually investing in innovative initiatives and technologies that advance the boundaries of environmental stewardship. Green Bay Packaging has launched a $1 billion energy modernization project at its kraft paper mill in Arkansas, aiming to achieve 100% onsite renewable energy through a combined heat and power system, with plans to operate at 95% capacity and maintain 5% grid connectivity as a contingency power backup. This investment is estimated to reduce Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and Scope 2 emissions by over 90%. Key upgrades include replacing the recovery and biomass boilers and installing an electric turbine generator to support decarbonization. The project will also boost biogenic energy use, raising companywide renewable energy consumption from 44% to 59%.
Each year at the Sustainable Business Council's Annual Conference, the achievements of member companies are recognized and celebrated. This year's conference was held on November 4-5th at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, WI.
Since the launch of the Green Master's program in 2010, Green Bay Packaging has proudly earned 16 consecutive years of recognition. This remains a key indicator of our progress and enduring commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence across the company. Participation in the program has highlighted innovative strategies for reducing environmental impact, while enhancing the well-being of the community and workforce and promoting a culture of sustainability and social responsibility.
"The Green Masters Program® is a sustainability assessment and certification program that helps businesses define, prioritize, measure, and manage their social and environmental impacts, integrating sustainable practices into their strategy and operations. Aligned with internationally recognized standards, it drives continual improvement, organizational alignment, and sustainable success. For over fifteen years, the program has helped hundreds of companies build credible and impactful sustainability initiatives. We are proud to see companies like Green Bay Packaging paving the way for a more sustainable future."
About Green Bay Packaging
Started in 1933, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is a family-owned, vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is dedicated to the innovative development of its products and forestry resources, focusing on safety, sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement throughout its over 40 facilities in 16 states. For more information about Green Bay Packaging, Inc., visit gbp.com.
About Sustainable Business Council
SBC is a business-first sustainability partner, empowering companies to move from good intentions to lasting impact. With membership and our proprietary Green Masters Program® SBC helps organizations move along the journey of sustainability with a powerful network of peers, resources, and expert support. For nearly 20 years, SBC has partnered with businesses of all sizes to help them integrate sustainability into strategy and operations -- moving from random acts of environmentalism to a structured, measurable, and impactful approach. Our signature Green Masters Program® gives organizations a framework to define, measure, and communicate their positive environmental, social, and economic impacts. Combined with SBC's membership community, resources, and consulting services, we empower businesses to embed sustainability as a core business driver, creating long-term value, resilience, and competitive advantage. SBC is where sustainability meets business success. Join us to accelerate your sustainability journey and help shape a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient future for Wisconsin and beyond. To learn more visit: www.sustainablebusinesscouncil.org
