Greif Named to America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 List for Seventh Consecutive Year
Rhea-AI Summary
Greif (NYSE: GEF) was named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 list for the seventh consecutive year on Dec. 4, 2025. The ranking, developed with Statista, evaluated thousands of U.S. companies using publicly available ESG data and a large consumer survey to identify the top 300 firms for sustainability performance, ethical conduct, and community impact.
Greif emphasized its long-term focus on environmental stewardship, circular packaging solutions, reuse and recycling expansion, and investments in operational excellence to support customers and resilient supply chains. More information is available at greif.com/sustainability.
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News Market Reaction – GEF
On the day this news was published, GEF declined 1.30%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
GEF was up 3.09% pre-news, while key peers moved modestly: AMBP +1.24%, OI +1.01%, SLGN +0.51%, SON +0.40%, and SEE -0.10%. The stronger move in GEF suggests a more stock-specific bid rather than a broad sector surge.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -0.7% | Board declared cash dividends on Class A and Class B common shares. |
| Dec 04 | ESG recognition | Positive | -1.3% | Named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 list. |
| Nov 17 | Management change (peer) | Neutral | -1.3% | Duravant CEO transition; incoming CEO also serves as Greif independent director. |
| Nov 05 | Earnings and asset sales | Positive | +0.4% | Reported fiscal 2025 results with large asset sales and debt reduction. |
| Oct 14 | Workplace award | Positive | +0.3% | Ranked among America’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces for fifth year. |
Recent positive corporate reputation and dividend announcements have sometimes seen muted or negative 24h price reactions, while fundamental results and workplace recognition aligned more closely with favorable moves.
Over the last few months, Greif reported significant portfolio actions and balance sheet improvements, including an all-cash sale of its Containerboard Business for $1.8B and timberland sales of about $462M, supporting Adjusted EBITDA $511.3M and leverage of 1.63x as of fiscal 2025. Reputation-focused news has been recurring: recognition as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace on Oct 14, 2025 and inclusion in Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 list for a seventh year on Dec 4, 2025. A quarterly dividend of $0.56 per Class A and $0.83 per Class B was also declared for payment on Jan 1, 2026.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights Greif’s sustained focus on ESG leadership, with inclusion in Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 list for the seventh consecutive year among the top 300 U.S. firms. It reinforces messaging around environmental stewardship, circular packaging, and community impact. In context of earlier 2025 asset sales and leverage reduction, the recognition adds to a narrative of disciplined operations and governance. Investors may watch future sustainability disclosures and capital allocation updates to gauge how these priorities continue to influence long-term performance.
Key Terms
ESG financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
DELAWARE, Ohio, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in performance packaging products and services, today announced that it has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026 list - for a seventh consecutive year.
Greif has been included on the list every year since its inception, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong corporate governance. This consistency reflects Greif’s belief that responsible operations are not only core to the company’s heritage, but also essential to supporting customer success and building resilient, sustainable supply chains and operations for the future.
The ranking - developed by Newsweek and Statista - evaluates thousands of U.S. companies through a methodology combining publicly available ESG performance data and a large-scale consumer survey measuring corporate responsibility and reputation. The final ranking recognizes the top 300 companies demonstrating measurable progress in sustainability performance, ethical business conduct, and community impact.
“Being named to this list for the seventh year in a row is a testament to the dedication of our global teams,” said Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif. “We remain committed to operating with integrity, making our operations smarter and more efficient, and creating long-term, positive value for our customers, our communities, and our colleagues.”
Greif’s sustainability strategy focuses on helping customers achieve their own environmental and circularity goals through innovative packaging solutions, expanding reuse and recycling capabilities, and advancing materials and technologies that support a lower-carbon future. The company continues to invest in operational excellence and responsible resource management across its global footprint - an approach that strengthens Greif’s business performance while also ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the people and communities it serves.
“Receiving this recognition reflects the passion and perseverance of our colleagues around the world who bring our sustainability commitments to life every day. I’m incredibly proud of our teams and grateful for their dedication to building a more responsible and resilient future together,” said Aysu Katun, Greif’s Vice President of Sustainability.
For more information about Greif’s sustainability commitments and performance, visit greif.com/sustainability.
About Greif, Inc.
Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials – and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company’s Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Innovate Closure Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Investor Relations Contact
Bill D’Onofrio
bill.donofrio@greif.com | +1 (614) 499-7233
Media Contact
TJ Struhs
tj.struhs@greif.com | +1 (207) 956-2304
FAQ
What recognition did Greif (GEF) receive on December 4, 2025?
What criteria did Newsweek and Statista use for the 2026 list that includes Greif (GEF)?
How does Greif (GEF) describe the impact of the recognition on its business strategy?
Does the Newsweek placement indicate Greif (GEF) is among the top how many companies for responsibility in 2026?
Where can investors find more detail on Greif (GEF) sustainability commitments mentioned in the announcement?
Who in Greif leadership commented on the 2026 Newsweek recognition?
