Going Above and Beyond — Plastipak’s Dedication to Employee Safety and Well-Being
June 10, 2024
Each and every associate at our 60 facilities around the globe plays a role in helping Plastipak create our innovative and environmentally conscious packaging. But their work goes far beyond just the product.
We start every project with a people-first approach that benefits both our associates and the communities in which they live and work. We’ve also committed to ensuring safe, fair, and equitable conditions for all. Here are just a few ways we’ve been leaning into our corporate social responsibility philosophy at home and around the globe.
At Plastipak, our employees mean everything to us. We’re strong believers in offering services and support to ensure everyone on our team feels safe and cared for—whether they’re in the workplace, at home, or anywhere else. We know we have a responsibility to each of our associates, and we take that role very seriously—as demonstrated by Plastipak’s Caring for Others™ philosophy. Thanks to the commitment of our leadership and the engagement of our associates, Plastipak’s collective approach to safety continues to contribute to our success on a daily basis.
Caring for Others™ is Plastipak’s multifaceted effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working across our organizational footprint. While we can’t cover all of the comprehensive actions we’re taking to protect our associates in one blog post, here are some highlights:
Foundations of Safety
Perhaps the most important of Plastipak’s safety efforts are our detailed, extensive training programs designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Our experts train employees on critical topics such as machine guarding, lockout procedures, and updated standards for forklift operation and material handling. New hires receive specialized safety training tailored to their roles, complemented by a structured mentoring program that pairs workers with experienced associates for support and guidance as they settle into their new role with Plastipak.
Rigorous Policies and Oversight
Plastipak leads the way in our industry via our rigorous review process of health and safety policies. They’re not only in place to ensure our operations comply with local regulations and industry standards, but to ensure we go above and beyond each of those standards.
Safety rules and procedures are mandated at all of our work sites, and our locations undergo location-specific risk assessments to determine if our practices meet and exceed the standards set by government agencies. Our standard operating procedures are carefully crafted to protect all our associates across all manufacturing sites.
Our Approach to LCAs Innovative Safety Programs
Plastipak’s culture of safety also includes the programs we have in place to remind workers of the important role they play in keeping themselves and their colleagues safe. These safety strategies include ongoing hazard assessments and regular reminders to evaluate their work environments for potential risks before starting or continuing any tasks. As a global operation, we also recognize that every location will have different safety needs and have developed region-specific programs and policies tailored to local conditions.
Supporting our Team Members Beyond the Workplace
Plastipak’s dedication to well-being does not stop when our employees clock out for the day. Beyond physical safety, Plastipak is also committed to protecting and improving the mental health of our team members.
At Plastipak UK, we created an on-site Well-Being Hub, a private space equipped with several different resources to help guide associates toward support services. These services include our mental health first-aiders and easy connection to external mental and physical health programs in the area.
We also protect our employees by providing competitive benefits and compensation packages, all of which include healthcare, disability, and retirement plans. At Plastipak, our goal is always to support our associates and their families in any way possible—physically, mentally, and financially.
Empowering Women in Manufacturing
Manufacturing, historically, has been a male-dominated field of work. However, that’s beginning to change, and Plastipak believes that getting more women into manufacturing is fundamental to the future of our industry.
That’s why we proudly sponsor female-focused organizations like the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Association, which provides our female associates opportunities for professional development, networking, and leadership growth. This partnership not only supports career advancement but also fosters community building, as evidenced by the creation of WiM’s Moms in Manufacturing — a group of mothers working to empower women to advance in their careers.
Plastipak Recognized for Safety Standards
In 2023, our efforts were recognized with the EHSToday Award for excellence in occupational health and safety. Looking ahead, we remain committed to continuous improvement—our safety practice will continue to evolve alongside technological and mechanical changes in our industry. Plastipak’s Caring for Others™ culture means safety is not just a priority, but a key component of our identity as an organization.
At Plastipak, safety and well-being are not optional add-ons or extras—they are foundational principles that guide our operations and define our corporate responsibility.
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at its website www.plastipak.com