Garlock/C-P's Groundbreaking Achievement in Sustainable Packaging
Garlock/C-P, based in York, Pennsylvania, is celebrating a significant milestone by winning the Flexographic Technical Association's (FTA) prestigious Sustainability Excellence Award for its innovative use of compostable materials in die-cut rollstock (DCRS). This recognition, awarded on April 26, 2026, underscores the company's commitment to sustainability in flexible packaging solutions.
As an industry leader, Garlock/C-P has made it their mission to develop packaging options that not only meet market demands but also prioritize environmental stewardship. The company was honored in the Product/Processes category at the annual Awards Banquet, held during the FORUM INFOFLEX event. Recognized for its contributions toward material innovation, process improvements, and sustainable production practices, Garlock/C-P showcased their capability in aligning with modern environmental standards.
The company’s conventional DCRS features a patented blend of paper and film, aided by polyethylene extrudate, to create an eye-catching bag with a window. This design provides versatility with customizable shapes and sizes for the windows. The product is supplied in rollstock form, ideal for packaging equipment that utilizes hermetic seals, ensuring gas-flush capabilities and high efficiency during the packaging process.
Dan Collins, Vice President of Technology and Sustainability at Garlock/C-P, noted, "Our customers love the DCRS product, but they want a more sustainable offering that addresses extended producer responsibility regulations and other market expectations. Our latest DCRS has been revamped using biopolymer materials, continuing to maintain vital characteristics such as food protection barriers and rapid fill rates."
The newly designed compostable structure offers a myriad of environmental benefits:
- - Eliminates Chlorine/PVDC risk: By substituting the PVDC-coated film with safer materials.
- - Diverts significant waste: About 614 tons annually from landfill disposal when processed correctly.
- - Reduces greenhouse gas emissions: By approximately 557 metric tons CO2 equivalent, contributing positively towards climate goals.
- - Displaces fossil-derived plastics: Effectively removing about 675,000 pounds of these materials from circulation.
CEO Greg Powell highlighted the collaborative effort behind this innovative product, saying, "This achievement reflects the diligent work of the C-P technical team prior to our merger and indicates the sustainable solutions we are now expanding across our unified organization. As our customers advocate for more circular packaging systems, this compostable solution is a critical step towards better end-of-life outcomes," he added.
Beyond compostable products, Garlock/C-P displays a wider dedication to sustainability through their GreenStream™ product line, which includes items designed specifically for recyclability and those utilizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, as well as materials that are derived from renewable resources.
In conclusion, Garlock/C-P's innovative approach to flexible packaging is setting new standards in the industry. With over three decades of experience in flexible packaging and a history dating back to 1958, they stand at the forefront of developing solutions that benefit not just customers but also the environment, proving that sustainability and functionality can coexist seamlessly. For more updates about their offerings, check out
Garlock Flexibles and
C-P Flexible Packaging.