Curtis Packaging Is Greener Since October

By Kendra Bobowick

The low-key packaging plant built alongside a stream near Route 34 is environmental at heart.

In early October the Curtis Packaging Corporation’s initiatives to become a 100 percent carbon neutral company attracted Governor M. Jodi Rell’s attention. In an October 10 release, she complimented the Sandy Hook company, saying, “Curtis Packaging really deserves congratulations…they are proving that making a commitment to good energy policy and environmental stewardship makes good business sense.”

The packaging facility is the first in North America to be 100 percent carbon neutral — a term applied to individuals, businesses, or organizations whose practices contribute zero carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere.

After hearing about the subject, Senior Vice President of Marketing Don Droppo Jr wanted to find out more about the carbon neutral approach. After a speaker caught his ear recently, Mr Droppo said, “I was fascinated by the idea.” He notes that his curiosity prompted him to do his homework. Liking the concept so much, he said, “My goal was to be the most environmentally friendly company in Newtown.”

Already, Curtis Packaging has made green changes. The company subscribes to 100 percent renewable energy and has installed lower energy lighting. “Carbon neutral was the next step.”

Also according to the October 10 release, the packaging manufacturer has been assessing and reducing aspects that contribute to its carbon footprint for several years, making Curtis Packaging the first print/package company in the United States to become Forest Stewardship Council certified and to use 100 percent renewable energy to power operations.

Mr Droppo had said, “We are very proud to take our commitment to the environment a step further by taking responsibility for our carbon footprint and offsetting our emissions.” Curtis Packaging is working with a company based in London to neutralize its remaining, unavoidable CO2 emissions, “We need to heat the building and fuel our cars,” Mr Droppo said. Investing in forestry will offset the emissions and methane capture projects.

Why such environmental support from a packaging company?

“It’s a personal interest. I wanted to green as much as I could.” Mr Droppo said. He also noticed a need for green. “A lot of our customers are interested in environmentally friendly products, and that’s the first thing consumers see is the packaging made in a carbon neutral facility.”

What’s next? “Great question,” said Mr Droppo. In fact, he has already been thinking about carbon positive efforts, but hasn’t revealed anything yet. “Let’s just leave it at that.”