2024 Sustainability Report - Executive Summary - Berlin Packaging by Berlin Packaging

SUSTAINABILITY

A BOUT BERLIN PACKAGING

Who We Are

As the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier®, we’re driving the future of sustainable packaging. We provide brands of all sizes with comprehensive packaging solutions, integrating manufacturing, distribution, and value-added services including design, sustainability, quality assurance, and logistics. Our global reach and extensive value chain enable us to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable packaging for the products you may already love and use daily.

Driving best-in-class solutions across diverse markets.

2,200+ team members 100+ locations across 4 continents 50K+ packaging components

1,700+ suppliers

6+ million sq. ft. of warehouse space

2 companies acquired in 2024: Nissho

(Osaka, Japan); Rixius AG (Mannheim, Germany)

Jitsugyo

Recognized globally for excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability.

42K+ GLOBAL CUSTOMERS

Trusted by leading brands and businesses around the world.

4,645 MWH RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS PROCURED

22,000+ TONS OF CO₂E REDUCED FOR CUSTOMERS 2

Empowering our customers to reduce their carbon footprint through our innovative products.

This amount of energy is enough to charge over 240 million smartphones.1 1

8.19 MILLION+ PACKS SOLD

Delivering smart, sustainable packaging solutions at scale.

24 PACKAGING AWARDS WON

Recognized globally for excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability.

23.27% REDUCTION IN GLOBAL

SCOPE 1 & 2 EMISSIONS

Eliminated 2,177 metric tons of CO₂ since 2022—the same as removing 473 cars from the roads for a year.3

12,996 METRIC TONS OF PCR

MATERIAL SUPPLIED

That’s on par with the weight of over 30 fully loaded Boeing 747 jumbo jets—diverted from landfills and promoting a circular economy.4

CIRCULARITY

• Recyclability

• Recycled content

• Strategic sourcing and stock solutions

• Material innovation and discovery

OPTIMIZATION

• Lightweighting / right-sizing

• Packaging and product efficiency

• Value analysis / engineering

• Local manufacturing

REUSE & REFILL

• In-house, on-the-go, and in-store refill systems

• Reuse & refill system design and implementation

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

• Sustainability strategy roadmapping

• Consumer and market insights

• Quantitative assessments

• Custom design and product innovation

• Sustainability marketing and communications

GOALS & PROGRESS

2024 was a year of great progress. We enhanced our greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions goals and made significant strides to advance circularity, packaging innovation, waste management, sustainable supply chain, and more. Our goals are intricately linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”), as well as the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) standards.

Unless stated otherwise, all our public commitments and progress, such as those related to greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy procurements, specifically apply to our Americas and European region. Our commitments and progress are all set against our 2022 baseline. We plan to continue enhancing our goals, and we’ll share progress updates in future reports.

INNOVATION & CIRCULARITY

Berlin Packaging's Goals

Enable our customers to ensure their product portfolio is designed for recyclability.

Increase our customers’ use of recycled content across their product portfolio.

Design our products with comprehensive sustainability attributes to minimize environmental impact, such as optimized material use and reuse & refill.

Progress to Date

Enabled 89+ brands to enhance their sustainable packaging strategy, including product launches with sustainability attributes.

Sold 12,996 metric tons of post-consumer recycled (“PCR”) material, a 23.5% increase from 2023. PCR reduces the amount of virgin material used in our customers’ packaging.

Conducted 80+ life-cycle assessments to help brands understand their packaging footprint.

Expand our suite of sustainability services to help our customers unpack their full sustainability potential.

Launched a sustainability marketing and communications consulting service, partnering with brands to communicate their sustainable packaging initiatives.

CLIMATE

Berlin Packaging's Goals

Net-zero commitment

By 2050, achieve netzero greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain.

Scope 1 & 2 emissions

By 2030, reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 44.8% from a 2022 baseline.

By 2050, reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% from a 2022 baseline.

Scope 3 emissions

By 2030, reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 51.6% per US dollar of revenue, relative to our 2022 baseline.

By 2050, reduce Scope 3 emissions by 97% per US dollar of revenue, relative to our 2022 baseline.

Renewable energy

Annually, increase procurement of renewable energy, targeting 100% renewable electricity for company operations.

Achieved Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation for emissions reduction goals.1

Reduced Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 23.27%, compared to our 2022 baseline.

Established Scope 3 baseline emissions and reduction strategy.

Purchased 4,645 MWh of renewable energy credits, covering 100% of our organization’s 2024 electricity use in our Americas regions.

RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Berlin Packaging's Goals

By 2025, assess 300 suppliers on environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement criteria.

By 2025, achieve >75% engagement rate with assessed suppliers.

Progress to Date

In 2024, assessed 204+ suppliers with a 76% engagement rate via 3rd party assessments.

Collaborated with key suppliers to enhance continuous improvement plans.

WASTE REDUCTION

Berlin Packaging's Goals

By 2030, certify 20 of our strategic warehouses as zero waste, which we define as >90% waste diverted from landfill.

Progress to Date

Reduce waste across our global operations and divert from landfill as much as possible.

Pursuing TRUE zero waste certification for both our Napa Valley warehouse (>90% diversion rate) and our Pittsburgh warehouse (>80% diversion rate).

BIODIVERSITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Berlin Packaging's Goals

Actively engage our network to help conserve, protect, and restore our ecosystems.

Progress to Date

Partnered with non-profits and local organizations to support local communities.

Engage our people to give back through community health and well-being initiatives.

Became a Ready 365 Bronze-level partner of the American Red Cross, donating $20,000 to support local community resilience and disaster response.

1 Berlin Packaging achieved official Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation of our greenhouse gas reduction targets in May 2025. While this milestone occurred after the close of the 2024 reporting period, we have included this information in our 2024 ESG Report to provide stakeholders with the most current and relevant updates on our climate commitments and progress.

Unless stated otherwise, all our public commitments and progress, such as those related to greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy procurements, specifically apply to our Americas and European regions. Our commitments and progress are all set against our 2022 baseline. We plan to continue enhancing our goals, and we’ll share progress updates in future reports.

NAVIGATING THE ESG REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

Anticipating evolving regulations is essential for achieving success and driving sustainability. Recent legislative changes are transforming the design, production, and disposal of packaging materials, requiring businesses to adapt quickly and strategically.

At Berlin Packaging, we’re dedicated to aligning our operations with these regulations while supporting our customers in their sustainability journey. Our tailored consulting services empower clients to navigate complex compliance requirements while seamlessly integrating sustainability into their operations.

By aligning with emerging frameworks, we’re not just keeping pace—we’re leading the charge in sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers to thrive in a rapidly changing market.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Makes producers responsible for the full lifecycle of packaging, including collection, recycling, and disposal.

Key Elements:

• Producer Obligation: Producers fund and manage packaging waste collection and recycling.

• Eco-Modulation: Fees are adjusted based on sustainable improvements, such as packaging recyclability and recycled content.

• Compliance: Producers must follow state and region-wide policies to ensure accountability.

Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR)

Promotes the use of recycled materials sourced from consumer waste in new packaging.

Key Points:

• Targets: States and retailers alike can set minimum PCR content requirements or preferences for plastic packaging (e.g., 30% by 2030).

• Circularity: Reduces reliance on virgin materials and supports a circular economy.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Vital EU regulation focused on enhancing packaging waste management and sustainability.

Key Targets:

• Minimization: Reduce packaging to the essential amount needed for its function.

• Recycled Content: Establish targets for incorporating recycled materials in plastic packaging.

• Recyclability: Ensure all packaging meets Design for Recycling criteria and is collected and recycled effectively.

Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

Promotes sustainable product design as part of the EU’s Circular Economy Initiative.

Focus Areas:

• Durability: Encourage longer-lasting products to reduce waste.

• Repairability: Design products that are easy to repair.

• Reusability: Promote products that can be reused multiple times.

• Recyclability: Ensure that products are recyclable to minimize environmental impact.

Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

Aims to reduce plastic pollution by banning specific single-use plastic items.

Key Measures:

• Bans: Prohibit certain single-use plastics like cutlery, plates, and straws.

• Alternatives: Encourage the use of biodegradable or reusable options.

• Collection Goals: Set ambitious targets for collecting plastic bottles to enhance recycling efforts.

EU Plastic Tax

Seeks to reduce plastic waste by taxing nonrecycled plastic materials.

Objectives:

• Incentives: Encourage recycling and the use of sustainable alternatives.

• Adoption: Several EU member states have implemented this tax as part of their sustainability strategies.

• Circular Economy Support: Promote a shift from virgin plastics to more sustainable materials.

SUSTAINABILITY MARKETING

In 2024, we launched our Sustainability Marketing service, a pioneering initiative that has quickly become an integral part of our clients’ sustainability strategies. This service goes beyond traditional marketing approaches, positioning sustainability at the core of brand identity and consumer engagement.

Our team collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive sustainability marketing strategies that align with their broader ESG goals. We've helped businesses:

• Articulate their sustainability vision into compelling narratives

• Create data-driven brand and product marketing campaigns that highlight tangible environmental benefits

• Enhance brand loyalty through transparent sustainability communications

By helping businesses authentically connect their sustainability efforts with consumer values, we're not just evolving marketing strategies—we're catalyzing a shift towards a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.

WE PARTNERED WITH AMIKA, A HAIR CARE BRAND AND CERTIFIED B CORP, TO TRANSITION TO POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED (PCR) CONTENT AND REFILLABLE PACKAGING. WE DESIGNED CUSTOM REUSABLE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER BOTTLES MADE WITH EASTMAN TRITAN PLASTIC. COMPARED TO USING TWO PCR BOTTLES IN A YEAR, USING THESE REFILLABLE BOTTLES REDUCES PACKAGING CARBON FOOTPRINT BY 69%. 2

These measurements were generated by the company, Amika, through a third-party platform and life-cycle assessment.

PRODUCT INNOVATION: SYNTARA™

At Berlin Packaging, we’re committed to meeting our customers’ evolving needs through innovation. Our next-generation compostable material, Syntara, is a breakthrough in sustainable packaging—combining synthesis (human ingenuity) with terra (earth’s natural systems) to create a truly innovative solution.

Syntara is produced through microbial fermentation of organic feedstocks, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This process involved close collaboration, testing, and transparent communication to ensure both performance and sustainability. By integrating Syntara into our portfolio, we help customers lower their carbon footprint, meet regulatory standards, and strengthen their brand reputation among conscious consumers.

Key Benefits of Syntara:

• Bio-Based Origins: Made from agricultural byproducts for a more sustainable supply chain.

• Compostable: Breaks down naturally, minimizing environmental impact.

• Performance Parity: Matches the strength and integrity of conventional plastics, making it a practical alternative.

SYNTARA REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING. BY LEVERAGING MICROBIAL FERMENTATION, WE’RE CREATING A MATERIAL THAT NOT ONLY PERFORMS LIKE TRADITIONAL PLASTICS BUT ALSO ALIGNS WITH THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS.

- Balaji Jayaseelan, Vice President of Sustainability

PRODUCT INNOVATION: AIRLIGHT REFILL

At Berlin Packaging, we set out to answer a simple question: Can beauty packaging be both stunning and sustainable? The result is AirLight—a refillable, airless system that brings circularity to the heart of the beauty industry.

AirLight isn’t just a container; it’s an invitation to rethink routines. By trading heavy glass for featherlight, recycled PET, we’ve made it effortless for consumers to refill, reuse, and fall in love with their packaging all over again. The intuitive system keeps favorite products in play, turning everyday beauty rituals into acts of sustainability—without compromising on elegance or performance.

With AirLight, we’re not just reducing single-use waste—we’re reimagining what beauty packaging can be. It’s a solution that empowers brands and consumers alike to make choices that feel as good as they look, proving that sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand.

PRODUCT INNOVATION:

HEKO

REFILL

Heko is where modern luxury meets circular design. Engineered for over 25 refills, each Heko bottle keeps fragrance in play and single-use waste out of landfills—helping brands and consumers dramatically shrink their environmental footprint.

Available in 15, 30, and 50 ml, Heko’s minimalist glass bottle is lighter than conventional designs, cutting emissions from production to delivery. Its clean lines and mix-and-match capsules let brands reinvent their look again and again, without starting from scratch. Heko proves that in today’s fragrance market, style and sustainability aren’t a tradeoff—they’re a winning combination.

PRODUCT INNOVATION: HELIUM OIL & VINEGAR COLLECTION

True innovation is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about setting new standards for sustainability and performance. Inspired by the success of our Helium Mixology range for spirits, we set out to reimagine packaging for the oil and vinegar segment, blending elegance with environmental responsibility.

The Helium collection stands out with its clean, modern silhouette and versatility, offering the most in-demand formats to serve both artisanal producers and high-speed filling lines. But what truly sets Helium apart is its commitment to circularity: each bottle is crafted from UVAG glass containing up to 75% recycled cullet, reducing energy use and carbon emissions during production. The lightweight design further cuts transportation emissions, while CO₂ emission offsetting—certified by ClimatePartner—ensures a minimized environmental footprint from start to finish.

Every detail is considered, from the natural wood head and integrated pourer to the exceptional clarity and quality of the glass. Helium isn’t just a bottle—it’s a statement that innovation, sustainability, and sophistication can coexist.

CASE STUDY: CRAFTING SUSTAINABILITY IN ART SUPPLIES

Royal Talens, a trusted name in professional-grade art materials for over a century, partnered with our Studio One Eleven to advance its sustainability goals. Together, we reimagined the packaging for the Talens Art Creation 750ml range, delivering measurable environmental benefits without compromising quality.

The collaboration resulted in a custom-designed glass bottle and cap that reduced material usage by 10%, lowering resource consumption and transportation emissions. By producing the packaging locally in the Netherlands, Royal Talens also minimized long-distance shipping, creating a shorter and more sustainable supply chain.

This partnership demonstrates how innovative design and localized production can drive sustainability while maintaining product integrity—helping Royal Talens meet its environmental goals and strengthen its commitment to responsible business practices.

CASE STUDY: DESIGNING ELEGANCE WITH SUSTAINABILITY FOR saVoam

saVoam, known for its luxurious hand soaps, partnered with our Studio One Eleven in the Netherlands to develop a refillable glass bottle that combines sustainability with sophistication.

The bottle features a seamless refill system, promoting reusability while maintaining the durability and elegance expected from saVoam's premium product line. This collaboration reflects saVoam's commitment to offering sustainable alternatives that align with its reputation for quality and refinement, demonstrating how thoughtful design can elevate sustainability in the luxury sector.