Crown Holdings’ sustainability push gains speed, ahead of global carbon clampdowns

Crown Holdings, a global force in metal packaging, is forging ahead on its sustainability journey with the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, ‘Built To Last.’ The report showcases the US-based company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, circularity, and responsible growth. From cutting carbon emissions and conserving water to minimising waste and enhancing workplace safety, Crown is making measurable strides across its operations.

Central to this progress is its ambitious Twentyby30 program, which sets 20 concrete sustainability goals for 2030 including slashing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 43 per cent from 2019 levels and transitioning to 75 per cent renewable energy. With investments in on-site renewables and off-site power purchase agreements, Crown is proving that bold goals and decisive action can go hand in hand.

Areas of achievement - 2023 vs 2024

• Aiming for a 50 per cent absolute reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030, Crown Holdings achieved a 26 per cent absolute reduction in 2024, marking a 62.5 per cent year-on-year improvement over the 16 per cent reduction achieved in 2023.
• In its pursuit of sourcing 75 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040, the company reached 37 per cent renewable energy usage in 2024, progressing 49 per cent towards its 2030 goal, up from 34 per cent in 2023.
• Crown also maintained steady progress on Scope 3 GHG emissions, achieving a 16 per cent absolute reduction in 2024, successfully meeting 100 per cent of its target, following a 28 per cent reduction in 2023.
• In line with its commitment to circularity, the company further optimized its packaging by making its aluminium and steel cans 10 per cent lighter in 2024, reducing material usage and associated environmental impact.

"Worldwide, our team's unwavering pledge to create a more sustainable future allows us to continue making significant strides in our initiatives focusing on innovation, responsibility, and community engagement. Sustainability is about creating a resilient organisation and environment that can thrive in the face of future challenges, and our stakeholders rely on our transparency regarding our efforts toward that vision,” said Timothy Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Holdings.

Image Source: Crown Holdings sustainability Report 2024

Other significant achievements –

• Crown’s beverage can plant in Kankakee, Illinois, has been recognised as a top energy saver through participation in a Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program offered by the local electricity and gas provider a program the plant has been part of since 2016.
• The Company’s beverage can plant in Seville, Spain, achieved a notable 10 per cent reduction in gas consumption through targeted efficiency improvements. By capturing waste heat from compressors and redirecting it to support other thermal processes, the plant significantly reduced its dependence on gas for heating. Additionally, upgrades to oven insulation minimised heat loss, further lowering overall energy demand.
• Crown’s beverage can plant in Indonesia has collaborated with customers to update can designs by eliminating certain external coatings associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Removing these coatings from 21 designs has led to reduced electricity and gas consumption in the coating and oven processes, while also cutting VOC emissions.
• The Midwest Graphics Studio in Aurora, Illinois, reduced electricity consumption by transitioning to process-less thermal printing plates. This upgrade not only enhanced safety and efficiency by eliminating hazardous waste and improving ergonomics but also required no additional investment.
• Similarly, our PrimeBulk Transit Packaging site in India improved performance and reduced electricity use by replacing traditional reciprocating and screw compressors with energy-efficient variable frequency direct drive (VFD) screw compressors.
• Crown continues to identify opportunities for improvement by enhancing equipment control and optimising production processes. At the Transit Packaging site in Rudraram, India, the installation of a Temperature Auto Control System automated with sensors and alert mechanisms has reduced electricity consumption while improving product quality.
• Similarly, the Beverage site in Winchester, Virginia, along with several other locations, uses advanced leak detection to boost equipment efficiency and lower energy use. A new ultrasonic leak detector is employed during regular maintenance and overhauls weekly, monthly, and annually to pinpoint leaks and improve system performance.

Conclusion

Crown Holdings’ 2024 Sustainability Report, ‘Built To Last’, underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to creating a greener, more resilient future. Through its ambitious Twentyby30 program and a series of targeted, tangible actions across its global operations, Crown is demonstrating that environmental stewardship and business success can go hand in hand. With significant progress in reducing emissions, increasing renewable energy use, optimising packaging, and fostering innovation at the plant level, Crown is not just setting goals its delivering results. As it continues to push boundaries and engage communities, Crown reaffirms its role as a sustainability leader in the metal packaging industry, paving the way for lasting positive impact.