Sustainability

Pillars & Accomplishments

Our Three Pillars of Sustainability

At Portco Packaging, sustainability is at the core of our operations, reflected in our commitment to reducing environmental impact, promoting efficient operations, and engaging with our community, ultimately Creating Opportunities to Thrive Together. Our approach is organized around three pillars: Operations, Environment, and Community.

OPERATIONS

We at Portco Packaging, are deeply committed to sustainable operations, emphasizing waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable inventory management. By improving our waste management practices, we have significantly reduced waste percentages across our production lines. Our energy efficiency upgrades, such as advanced lighting and occupancy sensors, help conserve electricity while our strategic inventory management optimizes our supply chain to reduce emissions. Additionally, initiatives like solvent reclamation, wastewater treatment, and comprehensive recycling programs illustrate our holistic strategy to minimize environmental impact throughout our production process. Key initiatives include:

Waste Reduction

We've significantly improved our waste management, reducing waste percentages across production lines using LEAN manufacturing methodology. For example, in 2023 we saw a nearly 20% reduction in pouch waste, one of our largest product lines.

Energy Efficiency

By the end of 2024, we'll complete a project to install higher efficiency lamps and occupancy sensors, estimated to conserve:

  • Woodland: 106,006.09 kWh

  • Toppenish: 109,088 kWh

Sustainable Inventory Management

We optimize our supply chain by ordering full truckloads of raw materials and shipping full truckloads of finished goods, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Solvent Reclamation

We've significantly reduced hazardous waste over the past 5 years:

  • 2019: 67,148 lbs

  • 2020: 56,144 lbs

  • 2021: 49,332 lbs

  • 2022: 28,439 lbs

Wastewater Treatment

We've increased our treatment capacity:

  • Aug-Dec 2022: 9,445.3 gallons

  • 2023: 24,684.8 gallons

ENVIRONMENT

We prioritize environmental sustainability by continuously striving to minimize our ecological footprint. Our company is committed to reducing waste and conserving natural resources by adopting eco-friendly materials, innovative packaging solutions, and energy-efficient practices. We actively work to enhance the recyclability of our products and reduce emissions throughout our operations, reflecting our dedication to protecting the planet for future generations.

Pollution Prevention

Our Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) reduces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by 99% before they leave the plant.

Responsible Sourcing

All our paper suppliers are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

Safe Materials

We transitioned to PFAS-free raw materials in mid-2023.

Sustainable Practices

We use heat-treated pallets instead of chemically treated ones in Woodland and Toppenish facilities.

Source Reduction

In 2023, we reduced PVDC PET usage by 56,724 lbs, equivalent to almost 1.5 shipping containers.

EarthGuard Product Line

Our sustainable packaging solutions are designed to minimize environmental impact while protecting your product. Explore the EarthGuard line.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Ongoing studies and initiatives to decrease our energy consumption and emissions.

COMMUNITY

Our purpose is to “Create Opportunity to Thrive Together.” We are deeply committed to fostering strong community connections and making a positive impact in the regions where we operate. Our company actively engages with local communities through volunteer efforts, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. By supporting causes that align with our values, such as food security and environmental stewardship, we aim to uplift and empower the communities we serve, ensuring that our business practices contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the people and environments around us.

Diverse Workforce

Diversity in our workforce is central to our identity. We empower and create opportunity for all and draw off of the different strengths that come from varied cultural and social backgrounds.

  • 42.8% women

  • 48.8% minorities

Leadership Diversity

Much like our diverse workforce, we push diversity to the top in our organization to ensure a holistic and inclusive environment at all levels.

  • 31% women in leadership roles

  • 37.9% minorities in leadership roles

Workplace Recognition

Named one of the Top Workplaces by the Oregonian in 2022-2023

Sustainability Education

  • Deep dive PCR education videos for employees

  • Sustainability education through blogs

Community Involvement

Active participation in local initiatives and volunteer programs including over 750 volunteer hours. Through our partnership with SOLVE since 2018 we removed over 11,000 lbs. of waste from local parks and beaches.

Portco prides itself on its strong commitment to community and its engagement of a well-diversified workforce.

  • Operations.

    Portco Packaging demonstrates its commitment to sustainable operations through a multifaceted approach that emphasizes waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable inventory management. Key initiatives include:

    • Waste Management: Consistent improvement in waste management practices, achieving significant reductions in waste percentages across production lines.

    • Energy Efficiency: Upgrades such as modern lighting systems and occupancy sensors to conserve electricity.

    • Sustainable Inventory Management: Optimization of the supply chain to reduce emissions, supported by solvent reclamation, wastewater treatment, and comprehensive recycling programs.

  • Environment.

    Portco Packaging's environmental initiatives are designed to minimize our ecological footprint. Highlights include:

    • Pollution Prevention Plan: Incorporation of a regenerative thermal oxidizer that drastically cuts VOC emissions.

    • FSC Certification: Ensuring all paper suppliers meet FSC certification standards.

    • PFAS-Free Materials: Transitioning to PFAS-free raw materials and using heat-treated pallets for safer production methods.

    • Wastewater Treatment: Active monitoring and substantial improvements in treated wastewater volumes.

    • Pollution Reduction: Measures to safeguard local ecosystems and continuous commitment to environmental stewardship.

  • Community.

    Portco Packaging recognizes the importance of community engagement in sustainable development. Our efforts focus on:

    • Inclusive Workplace: Emphasis on diversity, leadership development, and employee education programs.

    • Sustainability Training: Training for employees on the importance of environmental stewardship.

    • Community Partnerships: Collaborations with community organizations and transparency in financial allocation for donations and volunteering.

    • Top Workplace Recognition: Investment in cultivating a culture prioritizing safety, continuous improvement, and impactful community involvement.