OUR 2024
IMPACT REPORT
Real People. Real Purpose.
Explore our stories, innovations and commitments that define who we are.
OUR 2024
Real People. Real Purpose.
This theme is who we are—from the plant floor to the boardroom, from the communities where we volunteer and give back to the causes we support. Our people are the heartbeat of CNG, and our shared purpose—Enhancing Lives for a Better World—guides every decision we make. Our mindset around continuous improvement and history of innovation fuels the breakthroughs that support our customers—and improve lives.
Real Impact.
“Impact takes many shapes. It’s about giving more than taking. It’s about showing up, being present, listening more than talking, and being relentless in pursuing what’s right. Impact is about making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small the moment may seem. This year’s report is all about impact.”
Kathy Bolhous
Chairman and CEO
Our Sustainability Framework
CNG’s Framework for Impact ensures that sustainability is not a standalone effort—it’s embedded in how we operate, innovate, and grow. It reflects our belief that business can be a force for progress, delivering both environmental and economic value for the long term. Learn more about our four strategic pillars—Customers, Planet, People, and Communities—below and in our 2024 report.
Our Customers
- Doubled sales of our GreenArrow™ sustainable films portfolio (>100% growth)
- Expanded ISCC PLUS certification to 5 facilities (3 added in 2024)
- Significantly increased post-consumer recycled (PCR) integration, growing specialty film volume with PCR content by more than 110%
- Grew MDO (recyclable print web) volume over 50% from 2023 to 2024
Our Planet
- Achieved zero waste to landfill at 11 of our sites, diverting 8.1 million pounds of outbound waste—a 29% increase over 2023
- Earned EcoVadis Silver rating—ranking in the top 15% of companies globally
- Named to CDP Supplier Engagement A-List for supplier climate action leadership
- Launched a company-wide energy audit and efficiency program
Our People
- Built a team of 2,300+ employee-owners across 16 U.S. locations
- Raised employee engagement from the 32nd to 86th percentile in three years
- Expanded safety leadership and culture with Safety360 training and site-based Safety Action Teams
- Increased funding for employee-driven enhancements by 55%
Our Communities
- Partnered with a customer to deliver Smart Bottle® water storage during Hurricane Helene recovery
- Donated $740,000+ to local community organizations
- Employees collected 77,000 pieces of litter during Earth Week Challenge
“Our goal is to help our customers meet their own sustainability targets through high performance, circular material science solutions—ultimately enabling them to grow responsibly while reducing environmental impact. We remain focused on addressing areas for improvement and continuing to deliver on our company purpose.”
Scott Hammer
Sustainability Fellow, CNG Employee-Owner
“As owners, we have an incredible opportunity to build on CNG’s strong foundation—to grow, create lasting value, and deliver with purpose. Together with our customers, we are shaping a sustainable future.”
Lisa Alteri
Chief Operating Officer, CNG Employee-Owner
“Our customers’ insights fuel everything we do. Their feedback doesn’t just guide our innovation—it inspires it. The best part of my job is connecting our technologies to real-world challenges and turning collaboration into meaningful, sustainable solutions.”
James Rosenberger
Product Manager–Sustainable Solutions, CNG Employee-Owner
“What sets CNG apart is our culture of collaboration, where every employee-owner’s perspective is valued, and this diversity of thought fuels innovation. Working alongside colleagues at all experience levels fosters a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose. It’s this environment of ownership and mutual respect that makes CNG feel like a family.”
Aly Colbrook
Continuous Improvement Engineer, CNG Employee-Owner
“Our strongest innovations are born from partnerships. By working closely with our customers, we create high-performance solutions that drive circularity—helping brands achieve their goals for recyclability, compostability, and reduced carbon impact.”
John Garnett
Senior Vice President of Technical, Sustainability, and Innovation, CNG Employee-Owner
“We often equate ownership with monetary value, but true value comes from our behaviors—how we show up and run the business each day. As owners, we’re responsible for doing what’s best for the business, starting with our people. Taking ownership of our growth and investing in our teams is ultimately an investment in the business itself. You get out of things what you put into them, and that principle embodies true ownership.”
Shelley Hickman
Director of Culture & Employee Experience, CNG Employee-Owner
“Many of our leading fresh produce customers are actively transitioning to recyclable packaging formats as part of their broader sustainability initiatives. GreenArrow™ films play a pivotal role in enabling this shift, offering a reliable pathway to recyclable solutions without compromising performance. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovations making a tangible impact as they reach grocery store shelves and support our customers’ sustainability goals.”
Stephen Courchaine
Sr. Principal Engineer, CNG Employee-Owner
“The WLS leadership program transforms thinking by helping leaders shift from controlling safety through policies and enforcement to stressing personal accountability and a collective commitment to preventing injuries. Foundational to the program is “safety my voice” that prompts people to establish relationships and understand each other’s perspectives to help us achieve a true culture of care.”
Bobby Burgess
Plant Manager II, CNG Employee-Owner
“Integrity is central to being an employee-owner at CNG. Doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—protects our people, strengthens customer trust, and ensures the company we own is built to last.”
Bill Dowling
Vice President and General Counsel, CNG Employee-Owner
“Our world is diverse. When that diversity is reflected in the workplace, decision-making, product development, and policies, we all benefit. Women bring unique and valuable perspectives that drive better outcomes for everyone.”
Lauren Sliwka
Vice President of Human Resources, CNG Employee-Owner
Co-Chair of UNITED Women
“CNG has always been more than just a place for me to reach my career goals. Having my son receive this scholarship is not just a blessing; it demonstrates CNG’s commitment to supporting our employees and their families. Witnessing my son’s reaction when he received the award and knowing it made his transition into college smoother was truly heartwarming.”
Chad Elmer
IT Identity & Access Management Administrator, CNG Employee-Owner
“It feels good to be able to teach and support young people within our community – like our hiring two students from the technical school right down the road. That to me shows a lot about how CNG works within the community. When you have a student who is still in high school and a company that is teaching and guiding them–that says a lot.”
Austin Willis
Maintenance Technician, CNG Employee-Owner
