Graphic Packaging Releases 2025 Impact Report, Highlighting 880 Million Plastic Packages Replaced With Paperboard Innovations in 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK) released its 2025 Impact Report, showing progress toward its Better by 2030 goals and growing demand for paperboard solutions that replace plastic.

In 2025, the company replaced about 880 million plastic packages, generated $210 million from innovation projects, and designed 96% of sold packaging to be recyclable.

Positive

• $210 million 2025 revenue tied to customer packaging innovation projects
• Approximately 880 million plastic packages replaced with paperboard in 2025
• Nearly 1.9 billion plastic packages replaced over two years
• 96% of sold packaging products in 2025 designed to be recyclable
• 99% of purchased forest products sustainably sourced in 2025
• Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduced 4% versus 2021 baseline
• Total recordable incident rate more than 60% better than U.S. industry benchmark
• Zero LIFE injuries reported at 98% of facilities
• $4 million invested in local communities under the RENEW program

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – GPK

-0.75%

-0.75% Session close to close

In the Jun 30 session, GPK declined 0.75%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement emphasizes scaling paperboard innovation, with 880 million plastic packages replac...

Analysis

This announcement emphasizes scaling paperboard innovation, with 880 million plastic packages replaced in 2025 and 96% of products designed recyclable. Investors may track how these sustainability gains translate into sustained revenue growth and margin resilience.

Key Figures

Plastic packages replaced 2025: 880 million packages Plastic packages replaced 2-year total: 1.9 billion packages Innovation project revenue: $210 million +5 more

8 metrics

Plastic packages replaced 2025 880 million packages Plastic packages replaced with paperboard alternatives in 2025

Plastic packages replaced 2-year total 1.9 billion packages Plastic packages replaced with paperboard over two years

Innovation project revenue $210 million 2025 revenue from customer packaging innovation projects

Recyclable packaging share 96% Share of 2025 packaging products designed to be recyclable

Sustainability targets progress 8 of 9 targets Better by 2030 targets with reported progress in 2025

Patents portfolio 3,100+ patents Patents supporting consumer packaging applications

Renewable electricity coverage 49% Global electricity needs expected to be covered by renewable projects

Sustainably sourced forest products 99% Share of purchased forest products sustainably sourced in 2025

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jun 11 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Jun 11	Board leadership change	Neutral	+1.0%	Chairman transition to Larry M. Venturelli following stockholder annual meeting.
Jun 03	Conference presentation	Neutral	+0.5%	Announcement of investor conference presentation by senior leadership at Wells Fargo event.
May 26	Dividend declaration	Positive	+5.2%	Quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share for common stockholders declared.
May 05	Q1 2026 earnings	Positive	+12.2%	Net sales growth, cost reductions and reiterated 2026 guidance despite reported net loss.
Apr 29	Renewable energy VPPA	Positive	-1.2%	250‑megawatt solar VPPA expected to lift renewables share and cut emissions.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent news, including dividends, earnings and governance items, has more often coincided with modestly positive share reactions, with only one sustainability‑related announcement drawing a negative move.

Key Terms

scope 3 emissions, scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, global reporting initiative, task force on climate-related financial disclosures

4 terms

scope 3 emissions medical

"helping brands address responsible sourcing, packaging circularity and Scope 3 emissions management."

Scope 3 emissions are greenhouse gases produced indirectly by a company’s value chain—everything from the materials it buys and the goods it ships to how customers use or dispose of its products. Think of it as the full “carbon footprint” beyond a company’s own operations; investors watch it because these hidden emissions can signal future regulatory costs, supply-chain risks, reputational exposure, and opportunities for efficiency that affect long‑term profitability.

scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions medical

"Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduced 4% versus 2021 baseline"

Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions are the carbon and other greenhouse gases a company produces directly and indirectly from its energy use: Scope 1 covers emissions from sources the company owns or controls (like fuel burned in company vehicles or boilers), while Scope 2 covers emissions tied to purchased electricity, heat or steam. Investors care because these emissions affect regulatory costs, operating expenses, reputation and long-term risk exposure — like a company’s “tailpipe” and its “electric bill” for climate impact.

global reporting initiative regulatory

"Graphic Packaging reports in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting"

A global reporting initiative is a widely used set of standards and guidelines companies follow to disclose their environmental, social and governance performance—think of it as a common recipe that helps firms report on things like emissions, labor practices and supply‑chain impacts in a consistent way. Investors use these reports to compare companies, assess long‑term risks and spot opportunities that aren't visible in financial statements alone.

task force on climate-related financial disclosures regulatory

"Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and U.N. Global Compact Communication on Progress."

A Task Force on Climate‑Related Financial Disclosures is a set of widely accepted recommendations that guide companies on how to report the financial risks and opportunities linked to climate change. Think of it as a standardized checklist that makes companies’ climate exposure easier to compare, helping investors judge how storms, regulations, or shifting markets could affect profits and the value of their investments.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Company reports nearly 1.9 billion plastic packages replaced over two years and continued progress toward Better by 2030 goals

Key Takeaways

• Innovation delivering at scale: Graphic Packaging generated $210 million in revenue in 2025 from customer packaging innovation projects, including solutions that help replace plastic with paperboard.
• Circularity by design: Approximately 96% of the Company's packaging products sold in 2025 were designed to be recyclable, while its Better by Design framework is helping guide innovations toward improved circularity, functionality and convenience.
• Progress toward goals: Graphic Packaging made progress across eight of nine Better by 2030 targets, including a near-total shift to sustainably sourced purchased forest products.

ATLANTA, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting progress across its Better by 2030 sustainability goals and the continued role of paperboard innovation in helping consumer brands reduce plastic packaging.

In 2025, Graphic Packaging replaced approximately 880 million plastic packages with paperboard alternatives, bringing the Company's two-year total to nearly 1.9 billion plastic packages replaced. The milestone reflects growing demand for packaging solutions made primarily from renewable and recycled resources that can perform at scale across food, beverage, foodservice, household and other consumer product categories.

"Brands are navigating rapidly evolving regulations, shifting consumer expectations and complex supply chain demands," said Robbert Rietbroek, president and chief executive officer of Graphic Packaging. "They need packaging solutions that are efficient, adaptable and capable of performing at scale. We are helping customers meet those needs while continuing to advance circularity and better packaging outcomes."

Graphic Packaging has built a broad portfolio of paperboard innovations and holds more than 3,100 patents supporting consumer packaging applications. The Company's sustainability progress further strengthens its role in customer supply chains by helping brands address responsible sourcing, packaging circularity and Scope 3 emissions management.

"Our Better by 2030 progress reflects the discipline we bring to the market every day," Rietbroek added. "Every person — from our paperboard mills to our innovation centers — plays a role in delivering better outcomes for our customers, the communities where we operate and the planet."

What's New in 2025

In 2025, Graphic Packaging introduced its Better by Design framework, which supports the goal that every new product innovation is more circular, more functional and more convenient than existing alternatives. The framework is used from ideation through launch to help guide design decisions, with the ambition to progressively scale across all innovations.

The Company also launched RENEW, a global social impact program that focuses its philanthropy, volunteerism and community partnerships on protecting and restoring nature, fighting hunger and creating opportunities for the next generation in the communities it serves.

Key environmental advancements in 2025 included renewable electricity projects expected to cover approximately 49% of global electricity needs as they come online ¹ and continued progress toward the Company's sustainable sourcing goal, with 99% of purchased forest products sustainably sourced.

The full 2025 Impact Report is available at:

https://www.graphicpkg.com/sustainability/sustainability-reporting

2025 Impact Report Highlights

Graphic Packaging's Better, Every Day sustainability strategy is organized around three Better by 2030 pillars, with 2025 progress outlined here:

Better Packaging

Making packaging and operations better every day to recycle more materials, reduce waste and support a circular economy.

• 96% of sold packaging products designed to be recyclable
• 86% of new product innovations are more circular, more functional and more convenient ²
• $210 million in revenue tied to customer packaging innovation projects

Better for People

Creating safer, better work environments where employees grow, feel valued and connect with one another and their communities.

• Total recordable incident rate more than 60% better than the U.S. industry benchmark ³
• Zero LIFE injuries reported at 98% of facilities ⁴
• Launched RENEW, a social impact program engaging employees globally, and invested $4 million in local communities

Better Future

Reducing the Company's environmental footprint and helping protect valuable forest ecosystems.

• 99% of purchased forest products sustainably sourced
• Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduced 4% versus 2021 baseline
• 49% of global purchased electricity to be covered by two virtual power purchase agreements ¹

Graphic Packaging reports in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Containers and Packaging Standard, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and U.N. Global Compact Communication on Progress.

About Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Graphic Packaging designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials. The Company operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities serving widely recognized brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household and other consumer products. Learn more at www.graphicpkg.com.

Media: Comms@graphicpkg.com

Investors: Investor.Relations@graphicpkg.com

¹ U.S. VPPA will start providing credits late 2027. EMEA project began operation in October 2025.

² Results from demonstration pilot. Pilot assessed seven new innovations.

³ Measured against U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmark.

⁴ LIFE injury defined as an injury that results in a fatality or is life-threatening or life-altering.

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SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company

FAQ

What are the key highlights of Graphic Packaging's 2025 Impact Report for GPK investors?

Graphic Packaging's 2025 Impact Report highlights plastic reduction, recyclable packaging, safety gains and sustainability progress. According to Graphic Packaging, 880 million plastic packages were replaced in 2025 and 96% of sold packaging was designed to be recyclable, supporting its Better by 2030 goals.

How many plastic packages did Graphic Packaging (GPK) replace with paperboard in 2025?

Graphic Packaging reports replacing approximately 880 million plastic packages with paperboard alternatives in 2025. According to Graphic Packaging, this brings the two-year total to nearly 1.9 billion plastic packages replaced across food, beverage, foodservice, household and other consumer categories.

How much 2025 revenue did Graphic Packaging (GPK) generate from packaging innovation projects?

Graphic Packaging generated $210 million in 2025 revenue from customer packaging innovation projects. According to Graphic Packaging, these projects include solutions that help replace plastic with paperboard and support its Better by Design framework to improve circularity, functionality and convenience.

What progress did Graphic Packaging (GPK) make on recyclable packaging in 2025?

Graphic Packaging reports that 96% of packaging products sold in 2025 were designed to be recyclable. According to Graphic Packaging, 86% of new product innovations were more circular, more functional and more convenient, aligned with its Better by Design framework and Better by 2030 packaging goals.

How is Graphic Packaging (GPK) advancing sustainable sourcing and emissions goals by 2030?

Graphic Packaging reports strong progress on sustainable sourcing and emissions reduction goals. According to Graphic Packaging, 99% of purchased forest products were sustainably sourced and Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions fell 4% versus a 2021 baseline, supported by renewable electricity projects and virtual power purchase agreements.

What workplace safety results did Graphic Packaging (GPK) report in its 2025 Impact Report?

Graphic Packaging reports safety metrics that outperform industry benchmarks in 2025. According to Graphic Packaging, its total recordable incident rate was more than 60% better than the U.S. industry benchmark and zero LIFE injuries were reported at 98% of facilities.

What is Graphic Packaging's Better by Design framework and how does it affect GPK products?

Better by Design is Graphic Packaging's framework to make each new product more circular, functional and convenient. According to Graphic Packaging, it guided innovations so that 86% of new products in 2025 improved on these dimensions compared with existing alternatives, supporting long-term sustainability strategy.