Sustainability data

Silgan sustainability review turns broad goals into measurable polymer decisions.

The page focuses on the evidence buyers need when elastomer, resin, adhesive or packaging material choices must satisfy performance, compliance and sustainability targets at the same time.

Data dashboard

Four metrics belong in every sustainability-linked material conversation.

Material efficiency Yield impact

Does the grade reduce scrap, lower coating weight, improve line stability or extend part life enough to offset a higher material cost?

Regulatory fit Region specific

REACH, RoHS, food-contact and restricted-substance obligations are reviewed by use case rather than treated as universal checkmarks.

Process energy Conversion window

Processing temperature, cycle time, rework rate and equipment limitations can determine whether a polymer route is truly lower impact.

Lifecycle role Durability or circularity

Some applications need longer service life; others prioritize downgauging, recyclability, reduced migration risk or better compatibility with PCR streams.

Research records

Download-style evidence buyers often request.

Silgan sustainability discussions should connect published claims to specific operating assumptions. A resin or elastomer may support a sustainability objective only when the processing method, application geometry and customer standard are compatible.

Volunteer hour and ESG report reference packageFor teams asking about Silgan sustainability report volunteer hour references and governance context. Polymer efficiency worksheetFor comparing waste rate, cycle time, conversion temperature and service-life assumptions across material options. Regulatory screening checklistFor matching REACH, RoHS, FDA and customer restricted-substance questions to the intended application.

Regulatory timeline

Sustainability claims need change control.

Step 1

Define product boundary

Identify whether the buyer is evaluating a raw resin, formulated elastomer, adhesive system, converted film, molded component or assembled product.

Step 2

Attach geography

Map the material to the sales region and customer requirement list before deciding which compliance documents are relevant.

Step 3

Quantify process assumptions

Record temperature, line speed, scrap rate, bonding method, tooling constraints and any use of recycled content or modified substrates.

Step 4

Prepare change evidence

Compare the proposed material route with the incumbent system so procurement can defend the switch through technical and sustainability logic.

Selection considerations with both sides visible

Mono-material versus multilayer packaging

A mono-material structure can simplify recycling claims, while a multilayer structure may provide lower OTR or WVTR at a given gauge. The decision needs barrier targets, seal window, product contact, line speed and the actual regional collection route—not a recyclability label alone.

PCR content versus appearance control

Higher PCR content can support material-reduction objectives, but colour, odour and melt stability may vary by stream. Qualify the intended percentage by weight with lot-specific incoming checks and finished-package migration or contact review where applicable.

Repeatable screening path

Where the cited method calls for it, condition specimens at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, record lot number and specimen geometry, run the named ASTM or ISO method, retain an untreated control, and report the value with units and acceptance criterion.

Limitations remain explicit: typical datasheet values are not release specifications; compatibility is media-, concentration-, stress- and time-dependent; and declarations are grade-, site-, market- and revision-specific. Request the current lot-specific CoA with the applicable TDS, SDS or scoped declaration before approval.

Ask for sustainability data in the same package as performance data.

Silgan can structure the conversation so environmental claims, compliance constraints and production realities are reviewed together.