Greetings my packaging and sustainability friends. It is zero degrees in Chicago right now.
Do you recall that exciting bit about how Plastics Technology had selected Dordan as The sustainable thermoformer for its three-part series on packaging and sustainability?!? Well, that happened, and it’s awesome!
With the interview fast approaching, I began brainstorming on what NEW sustainability initiative at Dordan I wanted to focus the feature on. Problem was—as some of my more loyal readers will attest to—sustainability at Dordan had somewhat lost its mojo in recent months: From joining the Chicago Waste-to-Profit Network only to discover that zero-waste was still not an option for us due to the economics of recycling; to learning about the intimidating investments of performing an environmental assessment of Dordan’s manufacturing process to establish a baseline off which progress can be gauged; sustainability at Dordan had hit choppy waters.
As I continued to reflect on this development—I realized that THIS development—that is, my frustration with taking sustainability at Dordan to the next level, deserved further investigation. After all, sustainability obligations at Dordan comprised about 95% of my job responsibilities the first two years of my employ; now, about 35%. How did this shift in priorities happen so organically, and well, out-right sneakily?
I thought I may pitch this approach to the reporter at Plastics Technology who was responsible for Dordan’s feature as The sustainable thermoformer. Having worked together before, I knew he knew a thing or two about sustainability and the industry and trusted that he may appreciate the message I was trying to deliver; that is, what type of company Dordan is, what we have done in regards to sustainability, and what we have learned from these investments.
The last thing I want to do is contribute to another puff piece on sustainability, I explained to him; instead, I want to present an honest story about sustainability and a packaging company, which to my delight he responded with exuberant support and enthusiasm.
Dordan is hosting Plastics Technology for a tour and interview this week; article feature to follow. I look forward to this opportunity and sharing it with you! Stay tuned!