Premier stands as an advocate for proactive environmental stewardship, consistently exploring new ways to improve our ecological footprint. As a leading corrugated manufacturer and packaging distributor, we would be foolish not to. Our business relies on strong, healthy forests that are responsibly managed. However, sometimes these national treasures are not treated with the reverence and care they so rightly deserve for all they provide.
Take the areas surrounding Premier Packaging’s national headquarters in Louisville, Ky. Over the past two decades, the city has experienced a steady decline in its tree cover. After completing the reclamation of the Brownfield site where our headquarters now stands, our Louisville team partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to begin restoring the local tree canopy.
Starting in 2022, our dedicated employees
generously volunteered their time and effort to plant trees around our headquarters and manufacturing plant in Louisville. Despite the stifling heat and humidity of numerous Kentucky summers, we successfully planted over 100 trees in spaces where they can make the most impact for our community.
While we are proud of this achievement, we knew we could do even more. We reached out to explore additional ways to contribute, and the Arbor Day Foundation introduced us to a reforestation initiative that was underway in Georgia. This provided an excellent opportunity to enhance the local environment of the state where we have multiple facilities, reflecting our commitment to giving back to the community. After extensive discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of the project, and carefully considering the proposal, we proudly committed to supporting the planting of 10,000 trees through this large-scale conservation effort.
Most of Georgia’s forests, over 90% in fact, are owned by private landowners. Many have been broken up, developed, or changed to other types of land use over time. This has led to a smaller, more strained ecosystem that no longer covers much of its original area.
To address this crisis, the Georgia Forestry Commission is working with the Arbor Day Foundation and private property-owners to restore these forests and keep them healthy well into the future. The plan is to reintroduce native species of pine trees in a strategic initiative to restore the natural structure of the forest and boost biodiversity. As part of this effort, the Commission helps landowners create forest management plans, and owners agree to tend to the trees for at least 10 years, until the trees are strong enough to support themselves.
The Georgia Tree Planting Program resonated with us particularly well because it is located almost directly in the “backyard” of our Thomson facility, making it a wonderful fit for our community engagement efforts. Investing in these initiatives not only benefits local ecosystems and the services they provide but also strengthens our connection to the communities where our operations are located. Planting these trees will provide essential habitat for endangered and threatened wildlife; will help landowners protect and preserve regional soil and water resources; improve local air quality; and support sustainable forestry practices.
Our journey from planting 121 trees around our Louisville headquarters to supporting the planting of 10,000 trees in forestland throughout Georgia exemplifies the remarkable impact that committed action and strategic partnerships can have. Thanks to the invaluable guidance and support from the Arbor Day Foundation, we’ve been able to ensure that our efforts are not only meaningful but also rooted in ecological expertise and regional understanding. This collaboration has empowered us to make a tangible difference in supporting native forests, fostering biodiversity, and contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
This program is just one of many exciting initiatives underway, each designed to push us towards being a more sustainable business. We recognize that the path to ecological harmony is a continuous journey, and we strive to lead by example. We truly hope others will join us in enhancing their own sustainability efforts. Together, we can create a more resilient, responsible future for our planet.