Client Overview

Berry Global, a Fortune 500 manufacturer and marketer of innovative packaging solutions, sits at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. The company collaborates across the global value chain to advance a more circular economy, helping customers meet ambitious sustainability goals while creating long-term social, environmental, and economic value.

The Challenge

Despite Berry's impressive sustainability initiatives—from partnerships with industry giants like Kraft Heinz and Mars to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions to its own operational improvements—the company faced a critical communication challenge:

• Narrative vs. Data Balance: Previous sustainability reports struggled to find the optimal mix between compelling storytelling and robust data disclosure

• Stakeholder Engagement: The company needed to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including investors, rating agencies, customers, and employees

• Strategic Alignment: Berry's reporting needed to better showcase how sustainability drives business value through its three strategic pillars: Products, Performance, and Partners

Our Approach

In 2024, Berry partnered with Hower Impact to reinvigorate its sustainability reporting approach. We developed a comprehensive strategy centered on the theme "Partnering for Progress" that would strengthen Berry's sustainability narrative while maintaining disclosure rigor.

Key Deliverables

Strategic Development

• Crafted a reporting architecture that strategically distributed content between the PDF report and website

• Developed a narrative framework highlighting Berry's role in the circular economy and its partnerships across the value chain

Content Creation

• Authored report copy with a distinct voice that balanced technical excellence with accessibility

• Designed the report PDF, as well as compelling data visualizations and infographics that simplified complex sustainability metrics

• Refreshed website content to complement the PDF report and enhance digital engagement

Launch and Amplification

• Created a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy

• Developed customized communications for key audiences:

• Tailored investor briefs highlighting ESG performance

• Customer-focused communications emphasizing partnership opportunities

• Employee engagement materials to build internal sustainability champions

• Press materials and social content to amplify reach

Results

The transformation of Berry's sustainability reporting yielded notable results:

• Enhanced Stakeholder Reception: The report received positive feedback from the board of directors, executive leadership, employees, and customers

• Improved Ratings Trajectory: Strategic disclosures were designed to address gaps in MSCI ratings criteria

• Strengthened Narrative Position: Berry's sustainability story now more effectively communicates its leadership in advancing circular economy solutions

• Unified Voice: Consistent messaging across channels reinforced Berry's commitment to "make improvements today to better the world for tomorrow"