SÜDPACK’s newly released 2025 report highlights measurable progress in sustainability – from cutting its carbon footprint and expanding its pioneering product portfolio to optimizing supply chains and deepening its societal commitments. Backed by solid data, facts, and graphics, the film manufacturer has documented its progress across three core areas: circular economy, climate protection, and social responsibility. The takeaway? For this family-owned company based in Upper Swabia, sustainability is both a top priority and a key growth driver.
Since 2016, SÜDPACK has provided in-depth insights into its current business development through its annually published Sustainability and Progress Reports. “We take responsibility – for the climate, the environment, people, and the economy” is not just a slogan, but daily practice. Every day, the film and packaging specialists work to reduce CO2 emissions, use existing resources responsibly, shape the future through material-efficient and recyclable products, and, last but not least, drive the circular economy in the plastics and packaging industry through substantial investments in both mechanical and chemical recycling.
Design for Recycling: pooled expertise and clear principles
SÜDPACK’s latest innovations strike the perfect balance between maximum product protection, minimal material use, recyclability, and strong performance. These products include the PharmaGuard® and NutriGuard® blister films, Peel PET floatable top webs, and the new CarbonLite® family of recyclable PP- and PE-based tubular pouch films. “Sustainability means keeping valuable raw materials and material structures in the loop. What we produce today must not become waste tomorrow,” emphasizes Managing Partner Carolin Grimbacher, who oversees R&D.
For several years, as part of its ZERO WASTE strategy, the company has been recycling production-related plastic waste into granules and compounds at its own materials center. Wherever feasible and economically viable, external plastic fractions are diverted to chemical recycling. In concrete terms, the reporting period saw a further 8% reduction in waste volumes.
NET ZERO – another ambitious goal
SÜDPACK also improved its corporate carbon footprint between 2021 and 2024 – by a total of 24%. In 2024, renewable sources made up 53% of the Group’s total energy consumption, with 88% of its electricity coming from renewables. Over the same period, energy consumption decreased by 17% and emissions fell by 24% compared to 2021. Preparations are now under way to install additional photovoltaic installations in open areas at the Group’s German sites.
SÜDPACK’s targets submitted to the SBTi at the end of 2023 were validated in April 2024. Since November 2024, the film manufacturer has also been a member of the alliance formed by Baden-Württemberg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy Management together with environmentally conscious companies in Germany.
With climate change now an undeniable reality, SÜDPACK is preparing to launch a climate risk analysis to provide the basis for targeted measures and effective action.
By people, for people – social responsibility at SÜDPACK
Maximum responsibility, safety, transparency, and diligence are declared goals at SÜDPACK. Its key ambitions in this area include improving work place safety and expanding health protection throughout the company group. SÜDPACK also meets its external responsibilities through robust risk management, which focuses primarily on upholding human rights, maintaining a transparent supply chain, and making sustainability a key criterion in purchasing decisions. As of today, more than 90% of the company’s assessed partners and suppliers have achieved at least 45 points in the EcoVadis rating. SÜDPACK also improved its own performance by around 30% in 2025 compared to 2023, achieving Platinum status. Thanks to intensive efforts, SÜDPACK also increased its “Sustainable Procurement” score by 50% over the same period.
In recognition of its responsible practices and adherence to ecological, economic, and social standards, the film manufacturer was awarded the Fairness First seal in September 2024.