Inside Royal’s Sustainability Strategy
At Royal Containers, we don’t just manufacture boxes; we rethink how they’re made, how they’re used, and how they impact the world around us.
Sustainability is at the core of every decision we make, from the raw materials we select to the way we power our operations. With a fully integrated supply chain, trusted industry partners, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’re working to reduce waste, lower emissions, and support customers who are equally focused on doing business responsibly.
100% Recycled Material in Every Product
We proudly use 100% recycled containerboard in all our corrugated products. By eliminating the use of virgin fibre, we help conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and support a cleaner future. Our innovation in using lightweight, recycled linerboard earned us a Sustainability Award at one of our top 3 customers — a proud achievement that reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
A Fully Integrated, Circular Supply Chain
Our environmental commitment is directly tied to our vertically integrated supply chain. As shareholders in the Greenpac Mill and Tencorr Packaging, we have visibility and influence over the entire process, from recycled fibre to the final box. This gives us greater control over quality, consistency, and sustainability at every stage of the process.
Our circular economy model begins at Greenpac Mill, where 100% recycled fibres are transformed into high-performance linerboard using advanced technology. Greenpac’s process diverts waste from landfills and repurposes byproducts, such as reject fibres, as animal bedding. The linerboard is then sent to Tencorr Packaging, where it’s combined with corrugated medium to produce durable, sustainable sheets. These sheets arrive at Royal Containers, where we convert them into corrugated packaging that is both functional and environmentally responsible. Once our customers use the packaging for shipping and branding, it re-enters the waste stream as O.C.C. (Old Corrugated Containers) through recycling, often returning to Greenpac Mill to be remade into new linerboard. We also return all scrap sheets and clippings from our own operations to Greenpac, ensuring materials stay in circulation and waste is kept out of landfills.
Investing in Greener Facilities
Sustainability extends beyond materials and manufacturing — it’s also part of how we manage our buildings and daily operations. One of our initiatives was to upgrade the energy-efficient LED lighting at both our Brampton and St. Thomas locations, significantly reducing electricity use at our two facilities. This transition not only lowers our energy consumption but also aligns with our broader goal of reducing our carbon footprint. Every detail, from how we power our spaces to how we move our products, contributes to a more responsible and efficient operation. Our latest example? The introduction of a new electric forklift at our St. Thomas plant — a move that cuts emissions, reduces noise, and drives our commitment to a greener future forward. Look for more on this in our upcoming blog.
Making Sustainability Easier to Understand
To help customers make informed decisions, we created a downloadable sustainability brochure that breaks down key terms, certifications, and practices. It’s a practical tool designed to guide teams in understanding the environmental impact of their packaging, from sourcing to recycling.
Leading with Purpose
Sustainability at Royal Containers isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a long-term commitment, embedded into how we work and who we partner with. We’re proud to lead by example, from the mill to the finished product, and to give our customers packaging they can feel confident using.
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