At Petro Packaging Co. Inc., we place a strong emphasis on both quality and environmental responsibility in our manufacturing processes. Our commitment extends to transforming by-products into new items and recycling non-conforming products to reduce our carbon footprint. A significant portion of our product lines relies on Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR), a sustainable alternative sourced from plastics industry by-products, reinforcing our dedication to environmental care. These versatile materials can be melted, reshaped, and recycled multiple times, fostering a circular economy that minimizes waste and conserves resources. Their ease of processing, lightweight composition, and recyclability enhance cost-effectiveness and align with environmental sustainability across a wide range of applications.
Cellulosics – from Trees to Plastic
Cellulosic plastics are unique in the world of polymer materials due to their origin as the only class of plastics derived from a renewable, natural resource—softwood forests. Unlike many synthetic plastics that rely on petroleum-based feedstocks, cellulosics are produced using cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer found in plant cell walls. The softwood forests from which this cellulose is harvested are managed under carefully regulated, sustainable-yield forestry practices. This responsible approach to sourcing reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and the preservation of our planet’s resources.
Beyond their environmentally conscious origin, cellulosic plastics are prized for their impressive combination of physical properties. They offer excellent strength and impact resistance while maintaining a high degree of flexibility and durability. Their clarity, surface gloss, and ability to be easily colored or printed upon make them especially valuable in consumer goods, packaging, medical components, and other precision applications. The balance of performance and sustainability that cellulosics offer makes them a compelling choice for companies seeking to combine environmental responsibility with high-quality product design.
Our Manufacturing Facilities
We have recently completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation of our facilities which has resulted in a significant increase in overall energy efficiency. Many of these initiatives are not regulated, but they do represent our active commitment to minimizing our carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner environment.
- Insulated the roof of our Extrusion department and installed a new energy efficient heat and air conditioning unit.
- Replaced windows of our Molding, Extrusion and Assembly Departments with double pane energy efficient glass.
- Installed new energy efficient Extruders allowing for more precise temperature control and eliminating the energy wasted due to wide temperature swings observable in dated equipment.
- Installed new servo-driven energy efficient downstream extrusion equipment allowing for more accurate product manufacturing and drastically lowering the amount of scrap produced on start-up and shut-down.
- Replaced all lighting fixtures with energy efficient LED fixtures in our Main Office, Warehouse, Molding, Extrusion and Assembly Departments.
- Scrap cardboard is separated into a dedicated dumpster and is hauled away twice a week to a recycling center.
- Recycling bins for cans and bottles are available in all break rooms and are consolidated for transport to a recycling center.
