Cascades Cuts Emissions 25% Below Industry Average

Cascades just wrapped up its 2021-2025 Sustainability Action Plan with results that show big corporations can actually deliver on their environmental promises. The packaging and hygiene company now produces 25% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the North American paper industry average while running nearly 60 facilities across the continent.

The numbers tell a compelling story about what's possible when sustainability becomes central to business operations. Cascades facilities consume 2.5 times less energy and use 4.9 times less water than typical paper industry operations.

Recycling sits at the heart of the company's approach. Nearly 60 Cascades facilities process recycled materials and turn them into new products, with recycled fiber serving as a key ingredient across their manufacturing plants.

The company also achieved 100% recycled resin in all its PET food trays. That means the plastic containers holding pet food in stores nationwide are getting second lives instead of filling landfills.

Beyond emissions and recycling, Cascades made strides in worker safety programs and community engagement initiatives. The company sourced more FSC-compliant fiber and developed new recyclable and compostable products that give consumers better options.

The Ripple Effect

When a company the size of Cascades proves that dramatic environmental improvements are achievable, it raises the bar for entire industries. Their success with renewable energy adoption and circular economy principles demonstrates that reducing environmental impact doesn't mean sacrificing business performance.

The results also show employees and communities that environmental commitments can translate into real action. Improved health and safety programs paired with emissions reductions create better workplaces while protecting the planet.

Cascades acknowledged some goals still need work. The transition to 100% renewable electricity and certain decarbonization targets will require additional effort in coming years, showing the company's willingness to be transparent about ongoing challenges.

The company already launched its 2026-2030 Sustainability Action Plan to build on this progress. The new roadmap focuses on deeper integration of environmental and social considerations into daily operations while meeting evolving regulations and customer expectations.

This five-year journey proves that measurable environmental progress is possible when companies commit to specific targets and follow through with action.