Hoffer Plastics, a leading provider of custom injection molding solutions, has been named Sustainable Champion of the Year by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. The award recognizes manufacturers that excel at integrating sustainable practices, environmental stewardship and innovative technology into their operations.
Hoffer was recognized for its long-standing commitment to sustainability, as well as the depth and breadth of the company’s sustainability-focused initiatives. The company's measurable impact includes diverting more than 360,000 pounds of material from landfills annually, reducing carbon emissions by 35% between 2022 and 2025 and cutting water consumption by 50% through its closed-loop filtration system.
"We are honored to be recognized by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association as Sustainable Champion of the Year," said Co-CEO Charlotte Hoffer Canning. "At Hoffer, sustainability is not a recent initiative or a passing trend. It’s part of who we are since our founding. We believe manufacturing excellence and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the commitment of our employees to continuously improve the way we serve our customers, strengthen our community and protect our resources for future generations."
Sustainability is embedded into every aspect of Hoffer Plastics' operations. The company launched its comprehensive recycling and waste diversion program in 2007 and today diverts more than 360,000 pounds of material from landfills each year through recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
Between 2022 and 2025, Hoffer reduced carbon emissions by 35%, the equivalent of removing 10,408 passenger vehicles from the road for one year. A key component of Hoffer's sustainability strategy is its on-site cogeneration plant, which simultaneously produces electricity and heat, significantly improving energy efficiency while reducing emissions. In 2025 alone, the system prevented more than 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking approximately 180 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
Beyond energy efficiency, Hoffer also prioritizes water conservation with a closed-loop filtration system that recycles process water for cooling, reducing water consumption by 50%.
Engineering expertise helps Hoffer customers achieve their sustainability goals. Through lightweighting, the company optimizes packaging to reduce material use without compromising product performance. When application requirements allow, the company also collaborates with customers and suppliers to incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin, keeping more plastic in use and out of landfills.
In 2024, Hoffer created a dedicated Environmental & Sustainability Specialist role, further strengthening the company's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Hannah Mooberry leads those efforts, using data-driven analysis to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve operational performance and advance sustainability initiatives across the organization.
"Sustainability is about more than individual initiatives. It's about building a culture of continuous improvement where we measure our impact, identify opportunities and make informed decisions that strengthen our business over the long term," said Mooberry. "We're always looking for new ways to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering greater value for our customers, employees and community."
Beyond its operations, Hoffer fosters a culture of sustainability by engaging employees in environmental initiatives and community programs. Team members actively support the company's facility-wide recycling and material recovery programs, regularly identifying new ways to reduce waste, conserve resources and improve operational efficiency.
This recognition builds on Hoffer's longstanding leadership in sustainable manufacturing. In 2024, the company earned the Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award, followed by the VIA Spark Award for Social Responsibility in 2025, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable manufacturing and community engagement.
To learn more about Hoffer Plastics, visit hofferplastics.com.