Green Bay Packaging Achieves Green Master Status for 15th Consecutive Year

Green Bay Packaging achieves its 15th consecutive year of Green Master Status by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.

Green Bay, Wis. (October, 2024) – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized Green Bay Packaging Inc. at the Green Master level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses that are prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master. Green Master status signifies that an organization has identified and is effectively managing its material sustainability issues and performance related to those issues, takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability, and is actively leading the transformation to a more sustainable society.

Green Bay Packaging (GBP) continues to lead in sustainability, propelled by innovative initiatives and cutting-edge technology, consistently pushing the frontiers of environmental stewardship.

At GBP’s Wisconsin 100% recycled paper mill, a biogas generator for increasing onsite renewable electricity was installed to further decarbonization. Company-wide, GBP grows trees on more than 250,000 acres of sustainably managed forests, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable forest practices with benefits to environment and communities. GBP continues its zero waste to landfill initiative, with 99% landfill diversion across paper converting, folding carton, coated products (Green Bay) and lumber operations.

Each year at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Annual Conference, the achievements of member companies are recognized and celebrated. This year’s conference was held on November 13^th at Harley-Davidson Garage in Milwaukee.

Since the launch of the Green Master’s program in 2010, Green Bay Packaging has taken great pride in participating, highlighted by 15 consecutive years of recognition. This continues as a significant measure of progress and sustainability commitment across our company. Involvement in the program has highlighted innovative strategies for reducing environmental impact, while enhancing the well-being of the community and workforce and promoting a culture of sustainability and social responsibility.

“At GBP, we are proud to be recognized as a leader in sustainability. Innovation is the heart of our company legacy and central to our vision. We are advancing environmental sustainability by setting benchmarks such as our mill net zero water use certification and continually investing in our operations to ensure positive outcomes,” says Lisa Bauer-Lotto, Corporate Director, Environment & Sustainability. “The WSBC Green Masters Program has played a key role in enhancing our sustainability initiatives and progress tracking, keeping us at the forefront of sustainability.”

“The Green Masters Program is a comprehensive tool that helps businesses define, prioritize, measure, and manage their sustainability performance, integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. Aligned with internationally recognized standards, it drives continuous improvement and sustainable success. For over fifteen years, the program has helped companies build credible and impactful sustainability initiatives, and we are proud to see companies like Green Bay Packaging paving the way for a more sustainable future in Wisconsin.”

About Green Bay Packaging

Started in 1933, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is a family-owned, vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is dedicated to the innovative development of its products and forestry resources, focusing on safety, sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement throughout its over 40 facilities in 16 states. For more information about Green Bay Packaging, Inc., visit gbp.com.

About Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council

The WI Sustainable Business Council (WSBC) is a member organization dedicated to advancing sustainable principles and practices forward through the power of business. With a focus on collaboration and education, WSBC empowers companies and sustainability professionals to enhance their sustainability outcomes, measure progress and drive positive impacts.

Whether a company is just starting to explore sustainability or is already deeply committed to sustainable practices, WSBC meets them where they are and provides the necessary resources, expertise, and connections to help them succeed. For over 16 years, WSBC has been at the forefront of bringing businesses together to tackle sustainability challenges. By fostering a collaborative environment, WSBC encourages knowledge sharing, innovative thinking, and the development of best practices. Through this collective effort, WSBC helps businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies, unlocking greater profitability and creating a positive impact on the environment and society.

WSBC operates as an affiliate of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, a well-established organization focused on helping manufacturers succeed in Wisconsin. This affiliation strengthens WSBC’s ability to support sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector, a key driver of the state’s economy.

To learn more visit: https://www.wisconsinsustainability.com/

AF&PA Announce 2024 Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 Sustainability Award winners. The awards recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing.

“Sustainability is foundational for our members and our awards program reflect that,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “These award-winning projects demonstrate sustainability leadership and innovation in action. We are proud to recognize real-world examples of how our forest and paper industry sustainability goals come to life.”

AF&PA Congratulates the Following Winners:

Leadership in Sustainability – Circular Value Chain
Clearwater Paper Company: Optimizing SBS paperboard to better support a Circular Economy

Leadership in Sustainability – Water Management
Domtar: Making a Splash with Water Conservation

Leadership in Sustainability – Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Green Bay Packaging: Greenhouse Gas Reduction – Green Bay Mill Project

Leadership in Sustainability – Resilient U.S. Forests
International Paper: International Paper and The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Forestland Stewards Partnership

Innovation in Sustainability
Sonoco: EnviroFlex Paper ULT 2.0

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DS Smith: DS Smith Packaging Lebanon Indiana Interpreters Program

Visit afandpa.org/priorities/sustainability/sustainability-awards for videos of these award-winning projects.

“I commend this year’s winners for their creativity in implementing new strategies that will make our paper industry stronger,” said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and President and CEO of Sonoco Products Company. “These awards truly embody our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 goals – both the progress we have made to date and what we are striving to achieve in the future.”

Better Practices, Better Planet is one of the longest standing sustainability initiatives for a U.S. manufacturing industry. Since 1998, it was required that AF&PA members commit to environment, health and safety (EHS) principles. In 2011, AF&PA launched Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. Having met or achieved most of the goals for 2020, AF&PA is now in its second generation of sustainability goals: Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

The sustainability award winners demonstrate the industry’s long-held commitment to improving practices that advance sustainable products for a sustainable future. The 2024 Sustainability Award winners were selected by a diverse judging panel of sustainability experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Blue, Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology, Clemson University, Resources for the Future and the National Association of Manufacturers.

About Green Bay Packaging Inc.

About American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

Green Bay Packaging Announces the Acquisition of Land in Casa Grande, Arizona

Casa Grande, AZ (August 15, 2024)—Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is thrilled to announce a land acquisition near Phoenix, Arizona. The approximately 80-acre parcel is located at the NEC/SEC of Bianco and Kortsen Roads in Casa Grande.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Green Bay Packaging to Casa Grande,” said Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland. “This investment is a testament to our city’s strategic growth and commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Green Bay Packaging.”

“Green Bay Packaging is excited to be a part of the great community of Casa Grande, Arizona,” said GBP Executive Vice President Bryan Hollenbach. “The surrounding markets are a growing business community that we believe will be a great fit for the future presence of a significant GBP corrugated box operation. We want to thank Newmark and Land Advisors for their help in bringing this important investment to closure.”

Newmark Executive Managing Director Si Pitstick and Managing Director Rob Stephens represented Green Bay Packaging. The seller of the site was Auza Ranches LLC, represented by Kirk McCarville and Trey Davis of Land Advisors Organization.

“Casa Grande’s rapid growth and strategic location within Arizona have made it a prime destination for companies seeking to expand or relocate,” said Pitstick. “We are proud to have played a role in bringing Green Bay Packaging to this dynamic community, where their presence will further bolster the local economy and create significant employment opportunities.”

GBP currently operates a sales and distribution office in Tempe, AZ. It is renowned for being a reputable employer with a positive company culture and a commitment to maintaining high safety standards, quality, and service in all its operations.

About Green Bay Packaging Inc.

About Newmark

Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries (“Newmark”), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Newmark generated revenues of approximately $2.5 billion. As of March 31, 2024, Newmark’s company-owned offices, together with its business partners, operate from approximately 170 offices with 7,600 professionals around the world. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.

Green Bay Packaging Announces Expansion of Germantown Facility

Green Bay Packaging's Germantown facility groundbreaking. — Left to right – Keith Torbeck, Steve Wolfe, Mike Kelly, Will Kress, Bryan Hollenbach, Dave Mally, John Vander Vries

Germantown, WI – July 10, 2024 – Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Great Lakes Packaging Division in Germantown, WI. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 9, 2024, at the new location.

The new state-of-the-art facility will be built along the Holy Hill corridor and will boast 270,000 square feet of manufacturing space for increased capabilities and streamlined operations. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, including a 6-color plus 1-color inside RDC, a litho laminator, and a specialty folder gluer. These additions will enhance the existing capabilities and improve operational efficiencies to meet our customer’s requirements.

Vice President of Operations Dave Mally commented, “Our new Germantown facility will focus on safe, efficient operation and business growth. It will expand our capabilities and continue to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.”

The Great Lakes Packaging Division currently employs over 80 people at its existing locations. With the new facility, the company can retain its current workforce and plans to create 20 additional jobs. GBP’s commitment to its employees underscores its role as a vital contributor to the local economy.

The project will be designed and built by Briohn Building Corporation, which recently completed several new industrial and manufacturing buildings in the Germantown area. All of these are part of an effort by the Village to further expand business growth along the Holy Hill corridor.

“We are proud to partner with GBP and bring our experience in the print and packaging industry to design and build this new facility. This is another great expansion for Germantown as it continues to grow its reputation as a great place to work and live. Our team is already hard at work to bring this new building out of the ground, and we’re excited to see GBP move into the space and fulfill its growth objectives in 2025,” said Nelson Williams, Chief Executive Officer for Briohn.

Operations at the new Great Lakes Packaging Division of GBP are expected to begin in the fall of 2025.

About Green Bay Packaging Inc.

About Briohn Building Corporation

Based in Brookfield, WI., Briohn has been in the design/build construction and real estate development business for 45 years, partnering with clients across Southeastern Wisconsin. With a concentration on industrial and manufacturing projects and an in-house development, design, engineering, and construction team, Briohn brings a depth of expertise unique in the marketplace.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. Expands Operations with the Acquisition of SMC Packaging Group

Green Bay Packaging acquires SMC Packaging Group.

GREEN BAY, WI – June 6, 2024 – Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) proudly announces the successful acquisition of SMC Packaging Group based in Springfield, MO. The transaction, which took place on May 31, 2024, marks a significant milestone for both companies.

Founded in 1972 by co-founders Ross Ausburn and Charles Bachus, SMC Packaging Group has garnered an outstanding reputation for its innovative corrugated packaging solutions. With over 50 years of growth, expansion, and technological advancement, SMC Packaging Group operates across multiple locations in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Its Midwest roots instill a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and a focus on delivering quality products, customized solutions, and exceptional customer satisfaction.

“We are excited to unite two well-established, family-run businesses,” said Will Kress, Chairman and CEO of Green Bay Packaging. “We look forward to the continued growth and success of both SMC Packaging Group and Green Bay Packaging.”

“For over five decades, our employee-owners have diligently provided quality products in a timely manner to our customers. Simultaneously, we have fostered a profitable and successful company deeply rooted in community values. As SMC Packaging Group expands beyond our founder’s vision, we are ready to embark on the next chapter by joining Green Bay Packaging. Their shared commitment to employee well-being and community pride aligns perfectly with our philosophy,” commented Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group’s Chairman and CEO.

GBP Executive Vice President Bryan Hollenbach added, “We are thrilled to have SMC join the GBP family. SMC is known for the service and quality it provides its customers. SMC has a strong group of leaders who understand the value of Safety, Quality, Service and treating their employees with respect and dignity. SMC expands GBP’s geographic reach while being a perfect cultural fit. We are looking forward to working together to build our business. “

SMC Packaging Group will continue to operate as a corporation, 100% owned by Green Bay Packaging. We are pleased to announce that Mark McNay, previously Vice President and General Manager of SMC, will become President of SMC Packaging Group, reporting to Bryan Hollenbach.

Drone shot of SMC Packaging Group's corrugated box plant in Springfield, MO. — *SMC Packaging Group corrugated plant in Springfield, MO*

“We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with the team from Green Bay Packaging,” remarked Mark McNay. “The opportunities are boundless as SMC sets our sights on the next 50 years of growth. Green Bay is the perfect fit – in that they complement the customer service, product quality, strategic vision, and culture that have provided the foundation for SMC’s success over the years.”

The strategic integration of SMC Packaging Group into Green Bay Packaging, Inc. establishes a strong presence in the Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma markets.

About Green Bay Packaging Inc.

Started in 1933, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is a family-owned, vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, Green Bay Packaging Inc. is dedicated to the innovative development of its products and forestry resources, focusing on safety, sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement throughout its 41 facilities in 16 states. For more information about Green Bay Packaging, Inc., visit gbp.com

About SMC Packaging Group

SMC Packaging Group, founded in 1972, is a family-founded, community-minded, and solution-focused corrugated manufacturer based in Springfield, MO. With satellite operations in Kansas City, MO, Conway, AR, and Tulsa, OK, SMC Packaging Group offers custom corrugated boxes, displays, packaging materials, and equipment. Their innovative solutions effectively present, protect, and ship customer products. For more information, visit smcpackaging.com

Green Bay Packaging Opens Two New Employee Health and Wellness Clinics

Green Bay Packaging opens two new employee health & wellness clinics in Arkansas and Michigan.

Green Bay, Wisconsin, August 30th, 2023 – Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) is opening two new Health and Wellness Clinics for its employees in the Morrilton, AR and Kalamazoo, MI areas. GBP is entering into a partnership with Marathon Health to provide a wide range of healthcare to its employees and their dependents. The clinic in Kalamazoo is set to open on August 30^th, with the Morrilton clinic following in October 2023. These clinics will expand its health clinic network to support over one-third of its 4,500+ employees and their families.

Green Bay Packaging Opens a New Employee Health and Wellness Clinic

Green Bay Packaging Health & Wellness clinic powered by Marathon Health.

Morrilton, Arkansas – August 16, 2023 – Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) is excited to announce the opening of a new Health and Wellness Clinic for our employees in the Morrilton, AR area. We are entering into a partnership with Marathon Health to provide a wide range of healthcare services to our employees and their families. The clinic is planned to open in October 2023.

GBP’s New Folding Carton Division Expansion

Green Bay Packaging has long been a champion of the environment.

That commitment to sustainability was front and center during one of its latest improvements — the folding carton addition.

“The building’s addition reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability,” said Molly Haack, senior marketing specialist with C.D. Smith Construction, the general contractor on the project. “With the help of the Focus on Energy program for design assistance, we incorporated sustainable features, such as energy-efficient doors and windows.”

Green Bay Packaging’s Green Bay Mill Division Leads Water Stewardship

From left to right: Bob Mihalski, Director of Mill Sales, Trades and Continuous Improvement, Lisa Bauer-Lotto, MS. Corporate Director, Environment & Sustainability, William Cone, Vice President and General Manager Green Bay Mill Division, Andrew Stoub, Environmental Manager

For strategic growth, Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) constructed a new 100% recycled paper mill in Green Bay that uses recycled old corrugated containers (OCC) and mixed office paper to produce paper used to make packaging and boxes. The new mill was a substantial investment, not just in the productive capacity of the mill and quality of our products, but importantly in the company’s sustainability efforts. It reflects fidelity to GBP’s deep heritage of environmental stewardship and its commitment to an environmentally sustainable future.

Green Bay Packaging Wins the 2022 Sustainable Product of the Year Award by the WSBC

WSBC awarding Green Bay Packaging with the 2022 Sustainable Product of the Year award

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC) is proud to announce the 2022 Sustainable Business Award winners. These awards celebrate recipients that demonstrate cutting-edge environmental, social, and governance leadership and recognizes them for being leaders in their industry and community. The winners exhibit leadership, initiative, and innovation and make measurable impacts across their businesses and the communities they serve.