- Achieving further reductions in water withdrawal intensity.
- Uncertainty regarding the cost and availability of energy attribute certificates (EACs).
- Uncertainty in regulatory frameworks for carbon emissions reduction.
- Uncertainty in the emergence and development of carbon capture utilization and storage technologies.
- Uncertainty in future tax and regulatory incentives for carbon reduction technologies.
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA)
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 5.55 million metric tons CO2e (market-based). By scope: Scope 1: 1.72 million metric tons CO2e; Scope 2: 1.54 million metric tons CO2e (market-based); Scope 3: 2.29 million metric tons CO2e. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
5.55 million metric tons CO2e (market-based)
2023
Renewable Energy
64% (carbon-neutral self-generated)
of total energy
Water Usage
256.3 billion liters (withdrawn)
2023
Waste
802.2 thousand metric tons (total process waste)
2023
Energy Use
110.5 million GJ
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 1.72 million metric tons CO2e |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 1.54 million metric tons CO2e (market-based) |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 2.29 million metric tons CO2e |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5.55 million metric tons CO2e (market-based) |
| 2022 | 5.67 million metric tons CO2e (market-based) |
| 2021 | 6.05 million metric tons CO2e (market-based) + 6.32 million metric tons biogenic CO2 |
| 2020 | 4.15 million metric tons CO2e (market-based) |
| 2019 | 4.26 million metric tons CO2-e |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced fossil fuel consumption by switching from coal to natural gas.
- Increased biogenic fuel use in mills.
- Improved energy efficiency in mills through various investments.
- Increased recycling rates of corrugated products.
- Achieved a 1.1% reduction in water withdrawal intensity.
- Increased the number of PCA facilities achieving Stormwater No Exposure Certification (NEC) status.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- 35% reduction in scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
- Support 800,000 MWh/year of carbon-pollution-free electricity generation by 2030.
📅 Medium-term
- 60% reduction in scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040.
- Capture and permanently store 1.75 million metric tons of biogenic CO2 per year by 2040.
🔭 Long-term
- Net-zero carbon emissions for scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050.
- Capture and permanently store 4.1 million metric tons of biogenic CO2 per year by 2050.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeSustainable Forest ManagementProduct StewardshipHealth and SafetyDiversity, Equity and InclusionEmployee EngagementResponsible ProcurementWater StewardshipWaste Management