Hallie Forcinio Sustainability Outside The Box

In the article “Sustainability outside the box” the author Hallie Forcinio describes an industrial manufacturing transformation occurring within the biotechnology and consumer packaged goods industries. These industries have stepped up corporate sustainability efforts through the use of improved technological processes and methods of manufacturing. Corporations within these industries are reducing their carbon footprints with smarter packaging designs and development, reducing greenhouse gas production, reducing energy consumption, utilization of alternative and renewable energy sources, ethical waste management, occupational safety, health and wellness, and greater attention to corporate social responsibility. The author illustrates these …show more content…
This author provides statistical data to validate this thesis. According to Forcinio (2011) pharmaceutical manufacturer Glaxo-SmithKline is pursuing a goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. Merck and Glaxo-SmithKline are utilizing solar power to supplement their energy needs. Forcinio explains that Merck predicts with solar power supplementation of only 10% at two facilities in New Jersey the company will “reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2500 tons” (2011). Increased consumer and retailer demand for sustainable packaging has motivated these industries to reengineer manufacturing processes so that they use less raw materials or use recycled raw materials. In addition, sustainability has led to research into renewable raw materials created from sources which are plant derived. Companies around the globe are utilizing systems of supplier and vendor management policies on a scale never seen before. Participating suppliers in these industries are now also following sustainability standards that are monitored and enforced by the clients. “Glaxo-SmithKline expects 90% of its paper packaging to be derived from sustainable sources by 2020” according to Forcinio