Go-Pak Group Appoints ESG and Sustainability Manager to Advance Net Zero Strategy
Go-Pak Group has appointed Eilis Wright as its new ESG and Sustainability Manager, reinforcing the company’s commitment to circular packaging and its long-term net zero objectives.
The global packaging manufacturer and supplier is continuing to place environmental responsibility and social value at the centre of its operations, with a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
As food and drink regulations and packaging requirements continue to evolve, Eilis will support Go-Pak and its broad customer base in responding to new obligations and progressing wider climate ambitions. Her appointment reflects the growing importance of food and drink sustainability, food and drink packaging, and responsible business practices across the sector.
Eilis said:
“I’m excited to join Go-Pak Group at such an important time for the packaging industry. There are significant sustainability challenges to address, but the industry’s willingness to innovate and develop effective solutions is inspiring.
“Go-Pak stands out for its commitment to evidence-based decision making and its focus on developing practical solutions that can deliver measurable environmental benefits.”
Eilis joins Go-Pak after building significant sustainability experience at St John Ambulance. She first became involved with the organisation’s sustainability committee on a voluntary basis while working as a project development officer. She subsequently prepared the business case for a dedicated ESG manager role before taking up the position herself.
During her time there, Eilis oversaw the introduction of the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and created two carbon reduction programmes for the organisation.
At Go-Pak, she will lead the integration of sustainability throughout the business, covering product development, procurement, supply chain management, operations, compliance, sales and marketing. This broad remit will help the company respond to key food manufacturing trends, food processing technology developments and changing expectations around food and drink industry innovation.
Working with teams throughout the organisation, Eilis will incorporate sustainability into product choices, ethical sourcing, customer relationships and strategic planning. She will also help customers manage an increasingly complex environmental and regulatory environment shaped by food distribution trends, food and drink consumer trends and growing demand for credible sustainability information.
To support this work, Eilis will create cross-functional working groups involving representatives from key departments. The approach will give each area of the business clear responsibility for contributing to Go-Pak’s sustainability goals.
Her first priority will be governance. This will involve ensuring that the company’s sustainability initiatives are supported by reliable evidence, independently verified where appropriate and aligned with relevant standards and requirements. She will then focus on accelerating carbon and energy reduction measures across Go-Pak’s facilities and wider supply network.
Regulatory compliance will also feature prominently in her role. Key areas include Extended Producer Responsibility, the Plastic Packaging Tax and legislation relating to paper-based products. The expertise developed through these activities will enable Go-Pak to offer customers practical guidance as they adapt to regulatory change.
Eilis added:
“Go-Pak must remain informed and prepared as regulatory requirements continue to develop. Operational changes, including the Simpler Recycling reforms, will also affect how businesses manage waste and communicate their approach.
“We can then use this expertise to help our customers understand and respond to evolving requirements. Extensive staff training, including guidance around greenwashing and responsible marketing communications, will also help us establish robust procedures for verifying and communicating environmental claims.”
From Go-Pak’s Bristol headquarters, Eilis will work with the senior leadership team to increase the company’s social value within the local community while advancing sustainability performance across its international operations. Her responsibilities will also support more responsible food and drink marketing by helping ensure that environmental claims are accurate, substantiated and clearly communicated.
Tim Allen, operations director, said:
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Eilis to the team. Her experience in developing carbon reduction strategies and managing regulatory compliance aligns perfectly with Go-Pak’s sustainability ambitions.
“We’re looking forward to strengthening our environmental standards, circular innovations and responsible business practices across every department.”
Go-Pak Group manufactures and supplies sustainable packaging solutions to customers around the world. Further information is available at go-pakgroup.com.
