LC packaging - No Time To Waste

LC Packaging introduction

LC Packaging is a family business that has been active in the packaging industry since 1923. From handling jute bags to an importer of packaging to a manufacturer and distributor, now with its manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

LC Packaging grew from a one-person business to a multinational with over 1000 employees and a turnover of €163 million in 2016. With offices and plants in 16 countries worldwide, a storage capacity of more than 70,000 m², and an extensive distribution network, it is a leading company in packaging specializing in agricultural packaging and FIBC.

Journey toward sustainability

LC Packaging’s vision is to ensure a sustainable future, considering next generations, customers, employees, and manufacturing partners, striving to include all stakeholders in its quest to provide sustainable packaging solutions. The company minimizes the impact on the environment the waste of valuable products while enriching the communities in which it operates.

With a broad international reach, LC Packaging draws resources from the world and converts them into products and services. LC Packaging is aware of its related impact and considers changing its operations and investments to create sustainable value.

LC Packaging identifies four areas of commitment;

• improve the wellbeing of people,
• create supply chain sustainability,
• develop sustainable packaging solutions,
• minimize the impact on the environment.

A compelling journey starts by speaking the same language, gaining insight into key performance indicators, and determining a baseline. Then identifying and prioritizing areas of improvement and communicating about actions.

To minimize the impact on the environment, LC Packaging requested Except to establish baselines for energy and water use, waste generation, and CO₂ emissions. Based on our findings, improvement goals were set and integrated into the LC Packaging Sustainability Vision 2022.

FIBC product impact

This sustainability analysis concerns a comparison between various FIBCs and their environmental impact when considering greenhouse gas emissions. The first  comparison is between a standard FIBC and one that is reconditioned by Worldbag, a part of LC Packaging group. The second comparison is  between a series of FIBCs representing a broader portfolio. The purpose is to communicate findings in order to stimulate reuse and portfolio management. 

Main findings;

• Reconditioning and reusing FIBCs leads to a  43% to 66% reduction in carbon footprint. Reductions depend on the number of reuse-cycles.
• Increase renewable energy use. There are further significant carbon footprint reductions when using 100% renewable energy at the Bangladesh operation.
• Stimulate reuse since the going rate is 5%. Optimizing FIBCs for recycling and stimulating reuse is a significant potential to further reduce its carbon footprint.
• Consider portfolio management. Matching clients with bags having a lower impact is an option to decrease the FIBC carbon footprint at larger scale.

Corporate impact assessment

This part of Except's sustainability survey concerned a corporate impact assessment in energy and water use, waste generation, and CO₂ emissions. The process involved 20 international offices and warehouses in Europe, three production facilities in Bangladesh, South Africa, and The Netherlands, and a total of 28 participants. The main findings are as follows:

• Considering the annual report of the Dutch Emission Authority, LC Packaging would be in the lowest eighth part on CO₂ emissions.
• Water consumption is considered 'normal' when using the Dutch Environmental Barometer.
• More than 80% of waste is currently recovered.
• Enhancing the quality of the data, the collection, monitoring, and reporting process offers opportunities to further increase performance.

Besides the international GHG Protocol, Except developed an Integrated Quickscan for Sustainability to establish these baselines.

Future areas of investigation may include energy and water efficiency, biodiversity, waste management, environmental pollution, and labor conditions. At a higher level, developing strategies towards resilient business models, new markets, and societal value are pathways for long-term sustainable growth.