Reusable packaging news briefs 2020
January 16, 2020 – Greif, Inc., a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, has announced it earned two prestigious recognitions in December 2019 for its continued corporate social responsibility efforts.
In its December 23, 2019 rating, MSCI recognized Greif with an “A” rating in sustainability performance. The “A” rating reflects Greif’s concerted efforts towards reducing the Company’s environmental impact and advancing responsible business practices.
MSCI ESG Research provides ratings to measure a company’s resilience to long-term environmental, social and governance risks. Companies are scored on an industry-relative AAA-CCC scale across the most relevant key issues based on a company’s business model. This most recent “A” rating is Greif’s best score to date and represents an improvement over the “BBB” score received in 2018.
In addition, in December Newsweek recognized Greif on its premiere list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2020. The list of 300 companies was compiled from a detailed analysis of more than 2,000 public companies, honoring businesses that give back to the communities in which they operate and excel in corporate social responsibility and citizenship efforts.
These latest recognitions build upon the Gold Rating Greif received from EcoVadis for sustainability leadership in August 2019. That EcoVadis rating placed Greif in the top four percent of all companies evaluated by the firm.
“We are proud that Greif was again recognized for our leadership in corporate social responsibility,” said Pete Watson, Greif’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our global team is focused on being a leader in sustainable business performance and we appreciate that our progress is being recognized by respected outside organizations.”
Greif reports its corporate responsibility efforts and progress in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and fulfills UN Global Compact requirements. Greif’s sustainability achievements can be seen in its annual Sustainability Report.
Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: In industrial packaging, be the best performing customer service company in the world. It produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, flexible products, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides filling, packaging and other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, Greif manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. It is strategically positioned in over 40 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is available at www.greif.com.
OSHA Cites Metal Crate Manufacturer For Exposing Employees to Safety Hazards at Georgia Worksite
LAVONIA, GA, January 16, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Wright Metal Products Crates LLC – based in South Bend, Indiana, and operating as WMP Crates – for exposing employees to amputation, chemical and other safety hazards at a worksite in Lavonia, Georgia. The company faces $195,034 in penalties.
OSHA cited the metal container manufacturer for failing to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures, require employees to apply their own locks when performing die changes on machinery, and provide appropriate eye and face protection. OSHA also cited the company for exposing employees to hazardous paint fumes, failing to separate propylene and oxygen cylinders, and not properly labeling hazardous chemicals. OSHA conducted the inspection in accordance with the National Emphasis Program on Amputations and the Regional Emphasis Program for Powered Industrial Trucks.
“Effectively implementing comprehensive safety and health programs that include steps for identifying and eliminating hazards protects workers, and prevents injuries and illnesses,” said OSHA Area Director William Fulcher, in Atlanta-East.
OSHA provides resources on requirements for labeling hazardous chemicals, machine guarding, and eye and face protection.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.