As the manufacturing sector has continued to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our versatility and commitment to the next generation of canmakers has shone through in the continuation of our apprenticeship programs. One example is the Training Academy, which supports our Reprographics Studio capabilities and is based in the Braunstone, U.K. plant. The program is entering its fourth year.
Packaging graphics create a first and lasting impression in the minds of consumers when making purchasing decisions. To help our customers maximize this important opportunity, we have amassed deep graphic design and printing expertise, commercialized a robust portfolio of innovative inks and finishes and opened multiple beverage can reprographics studios around the world to help our customers take designs from an initial concept to production-ready artwork.
Is packaging wasted? Well, certainly, some packaging is. But it depends upon your definition of waste. If a metal can is placed into the general waste stream, for example, then yes, it is wasted. If it enters into the recycling stream, then perhaps the consumer sees it as a waste product sent for recycling, but the item itself is far from wasted.
A recent ranking from The Wall Street Journal narrowed down the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world from a pool of more than 5,500 publicly traded companies, examining practices in areas such as business model and innovation, external social and product issues, employee and workplace topics, and the environment.
The Wall Street Journal recently issued its inaugural list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world. Crown is one of only two companies in the containers and packaging industry—and the only metal packaging company—named on the list and is ranked as the top U.S. company for environmental issues management, scoring “highly for its management of water, waste and air quality.”
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, one-third of all of the food produced in the world each year — more than 1.3 billion metric tons — is wasted, representing 3.3 billion metric tons in annual carbon dioxide emissions. Here, we take an in depth look at the challenges surrounding the issue of food waste and how metal packaging can make a tangible difference to both the statistics and consumer behavior.