Paper Packaging

P&G EFFORTS.

 

Superior performing products require high quality, reliable, and sustainable supply chains. At P&G, we have a responsibility through our procurement practices to ensure that the wood fiber in our packaging is sustainably sourced.
 
PERSPECTIVES ON PACKAGING
 
We continually strive to optimize our packaging design, aiming to use the least amount of material, while ensuring adequate protection, delivery, and safe use of our products. As part of our ongoing efforts, we continue to identify source reduction opportunities to decrease overall material usage and to use recycled paper when it offers the best option to meet performance and business requirements. Our paper-based packaging is derived from wood fiber, and we have a responsibility through our procurement practices to ensure that the wood fiber in our packaging has been responsibly sourced.

We have an aim that 100% of our paper packaging will contain either recycled or third-party certified virgin content. Over the past several years, we have expanded our efforts to collect data from an increased number of suppliers to assess progress against this goal.
 
PAPER PACKAGING SOURCING POLICY
 
Though we do not own or manage forests, we have a responsibility through our procurement practices to ensure sustainability of the world’s forest resources. To deliver on this commitment, P&G sets supplier expectations in our Forest Commodities Policy.

In addition to our Forest Commodities Policy, we work with our suppliers and other stakeholders to promote forest certification through our purchases. We give preference to the Forest Stewardship Council and accept Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification who ensure forests are responsibly managed. We also purchase paper packaging made of recycled material.
 
RECYCLED MATERIAL
 
Typically, virgin fiber used for paper and board production is from timber that are usually by-products from lumber and unlikely to be used for other purposes. Once this virgin fiber has been made into paper, it can be recycled on average five to seven times. Recycled paper and board are a crucial part of achieving our Ambition 2030 goals.

We also recycle 'post-industrial' waste. This is material that, for one reason or another, was not used directly for packaging. The most common form is 'clippings' – waste generated when packaging is cut to shape.

As we go forward, our objective is to achieve 100% use of recycled or third-party certified virgin fiber in our paper packaging and maintain this goal ongoing. We will continue to report data on our paper packaging on an annual basis.
 
SUPPLIER LIST
 
P&G will share on an annual basis our paper packaging suppliers. We believe that transparency helps us to build a more sustainable supply chain. Our direct supplier list accounts for the vast majority of the wood fiber-based packaging P&G purchased. This list includes all corrugate, folding cartons, displays, paper labels, and packaging.

PROGRESS & GOALS.

 

2030 Goals FY 23/24 Progress
Paper Packaging*
  
100% of our paper packaging is either recycled or third-party certified virgin content
 Sourced >99 % recycled or third-party certified wood fiber
50% of our virgin paper packaging is FSC™ certified by 2025
Achieved — 73% FSC™ certified

 

* Paper packaging includes all corrugate, folding cartons, displays, paper labels, and packaging. Data self-reported by suppliers. Responses received represent 95% of total supply volume. We do not expect remaining percentage to materially impact reported results. FSC trademarks used under FSC-100701.

DATA & METRICS.

 

This data, which was self-reported by our suppliers*, is summarized in the following table:
 
 
  2024 2023 2022
Total (metric tons x1,000)
 1,995 1,188 1,505
% Recycled
 68% 64% 79%
% Virgin
 31% 36% 21%
% of Virgin fiber 3rd party certified
 98% 92% 97%
% of Virgin fiber 3rd party certified FSC
 13% 75% 68%
% of total recycled or 3rd party certified virgin
 99% 97% >99%

 

*Responses received represent 95% of total supply volume. We do not expect remaining percentage to materially impact reported results. All data references fiscal years.

Aerial view of palm forest

Palm

Bottom view of large green trees in the forest

Pulp

Pine forest

Paper Packaging