Sandy Hook, CT, November 30, 2011 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator wins two Fragrance category awards. Curtis Packaging Corporation, was recognized twice at the 33nd Annual Package of the Year Awards. The awards were given by the New Jersey Package Executives Club at a dinner for the honorees on November 17.

The Club comprises packaging professionals from all facets of the industry. Judges this year included: Stephen Mohary (J&J), Lorraine Ahart (Mast Beauty and Home), Jill Hilton (Estée Lauder), Candace J. Garland (Avon Products, Inc.), and Brooke Baxter (the Baxter Group) as well as a panel of student judges from FIT.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Don Droppo, Jr., President & CEO of Curtis Packaging, “it is gratifying to be rewarded for our consistent commitment to high quality and innovation.”

Curtis received the Silver in the Fragrance category in recognition of their innovative use of registered holography for Coty’s Beyoncé Pulse. In addition, the company received the Technical Merit award in the Fragrance category for the silver aura on the carton for Calvin Klein Beauty.

Sandy Hook, CT, November 10, 2011 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator highlighted as sustainability success story. Curtis Packaging, a Connecticut based sustainable manufacturer of paperboard folding cartons, is cited in the recently released Green to Gold Business Playbook by Daniel C. Esty and P. J. Simmons. Esty and Simmons highlight Curtis as an example for companies striving to create a winning environmental strategy and attain a measurable return on investment.

Curtis’ sustainability program helps customers to attain and promote their environmental goals at competitive prices. Efficiencies gained through increased attention to resource management and lean manufacturing techniques allow the company to continue to push the boundaries of sustainability without imposing additional costs on customers.

The book, which aims to help companies “implement sustainability practices for bottom-line results in every business function,” lists Curtis alongside sustainability giants including General Electric, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola. “We are honored to be included in such a progressive group of companies in the sequel to arguably one of the most ground breaking books on sustainability in business,” said Don Droppo, Jr. President and CEO of Curtis. “Green to Gold by Dan Esty and Andrew Winston was an inspiration for me and I am thrilled to say that our investment in a triple bottom line strategy has been a dramatic success.”

Sandy Hook, CT, June 13, 2011 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator reflects on progress in 2010 and states goals for 2011. Curtis Packaging released its 2010 Sustainability Report on Friday furthering its ongoing commitment to transparent reporting. The document is Curtis’ second complete corporate social responsibility report following the Global Reporting Initiative’s extensive Level C guidelines, and its third report overall. The report details accomplishments for 2010, such as beginning the ISO-14001 certification process, and lays out a set of concrete goals for 2011, including a drive to divert waste to recycling. “We are proud to share our past progress and vision of the future” said Don Droppo, Jr. President & CEO. The report also provides data in several key areas including: climate and energy, materials and waste, employee health and safety, and customer satisfaction.

“One of our main objectives in this effort was ensuring that our stakeholders can easily access and digest a large amount of information about our commitment to people, planet, and profits” said Beth Scherer, Director of Sustainability. To that end, the full report was reviewed by Ceres, an organization that leads a national coalition of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies to address sustainability challenges. Curtis has been a Ceres member since 2008.

In addition, the full report is accompanied by a shorter Key Statistics brochure that is intended to provide major points of information at a glance. Both documents are available on the Curtis Packaging website. The full report will also be made available through the Global Reporting Initiative database. Additional information on Curtis’ carbon footprint is available through the Carbon Disclosure Project, an independent non-profit that holds a database of primary corporate climate change information.

Sandy Hook, CT, April 9, 2011 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator receives prestigious American Lung Association Award Curtis Packaging received the Healthy Air Ambassador – Corporate Award at the American Lung Association’s Breath of Spring Gala on April 8. The ALA recognized Curtis for a demonstrated commitment to clean air through environmentally sound practices and a dedication to healthy lungs for all.

“By promoting renewable energy and healthy forests Curtis Packaging supports cleaner air, a fundamental building block to healthier lungs” said Don Droppo, Jr., President & CEO of Curtis Packaging. “Curtis is thrilled to receive this award because it demonstrates the undeniable connection between our environmental initiatives and the health and well being of our neighbors.”

Sandy Hook, CT, February 28, 2011 – President and CEO of environmentally responsible packaging innovator Curtis Packaging highlighted as one of Connecticut’s rising stars. Curtis Packaging, a leading producer of luxury packaging and a recognized industry leader in sustainability, is pleased to congratulate President and C.E.O Don Droppo, Jr. for his selection in Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40.” Droppo, Jr. was chosen from a group of Connecticut’s most promising young leaders compiled through a competitive nomination process.

“It is an honor to have been selected to stand along side this inspiring group,” said Droppo, Jr. “It is truly gratifying to be recognized for making a positive contribution to the state of Connecticut and I look forward to furthering Curtis Packaging’s long-standing commitment to socially responsible corporate citizenship.”

Because of Don Droppo, Jr.’s leadership, Curtis Packaging is “a model for other small to midsized manufacturers here in Connecticut and nationally” said John Rathgeber, President and C.E.O of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. As a direct result of Droppo Jr.’s efforts, Curtis became the first folding carton manufacturer in North America to use 100% renewable electricity, be carbon neutral, and secure certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. In addition to his role at Curtis, he is a Vice Chairman of the Board at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and an active board member of Reforest the Tropics.

Sandy Hook, CT, February 28, 2011 – Veteran Account Executive joins environmentally responsible packaging innovator Curtis Packaging. Curtis Packaging, a leading producer of luxury packaging and a recognized industry leader in sustainability, is pleased to announce the addition of industry veteran Dena Goldstein to its team of Account Executives.

Ms. Goldstein comes to Curtis with 30 years of industry experience managing high end accounts in the fragrance, cosmetics, and gourmet confections industries. “I have been aware of Curtis Packaging’s focus on innovative ideas and novel constructions for many years,” said Goldstein. “The company’s pioneering position on sustainability and exceptional reputation for quality puts Curtis in the forefront of the industry, and I am looking forward to helping develop many new and exciting ideas.“

“We are delighted to welcome Dena on board,” said Don Droppo, Jr., President & C.E.O. of Curtis Packaging. “Her extensive knowledge of the folding carton production process and thorough understanding of luxury product industries will be valuable assets for both current and future customers.”

Sandy Hook, CT, November 22, 2010 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator Curtis Packaging creates groundbreaking environmental leadership position. Curtis Packaging, a top producer of luxury packaging and a recognized industry leader in sustainability, is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Scherer as its first-ever Director of Sustainability. Curtis created this position in an effort to deepen its commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing operations, and to advance its sustainable packaging strategy.

Ms. Scherer is a 2010 graduate of Yale University’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, where she earned her Masters of Environmental Management. In her new role, she is responsible for all corporate sustainability efforts and environmental initiatives.

While at Yale, Ms. Scherer focused her studies on environmental economics and sustainability in business. “Curtis Packaging is a well known and widely respected leader of sustainability efforts within the packaging industry,” said Scherer. “The management team at Curtis was early to recognize their environmental responsibilities, and their long-standing desire to drive sustainability is a core component of their business model.” One of Ms. Scherer’s top priorities upon starting her new position has been furthering Curtis Packaging’s efforts to attain ISO 14001 certification, the industry gold-standards for best environmental-management practices.

Curtis released a detailed sustainability report early this fall, reporting on fiscal year 2009 and laying the groundwork for future environmental initiatives. “We created the position Director of Sustainability and hired Ms. Scherer to advance our environmental goals,” said Donald R. Droppo, Jr., President & CEO of Curtis Packaging. “Plenty of people talk about ‘green ideas’, but few understand the real-world connections between environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. Beth knows how to correctly apply grounded, environmentally progressive thinking to every project we do. Her leadership will help Curtis to remain an industry sustainability leader while making us even more valuable to our customers.”

Sandy Hook, CT, November 18, 2010 – Environmentally responsible packaging innovator wins in the Fragrance and Special Award categories. Curtis Packaging Corporation, was recognized twice at the 32nd Annual Package of the Year Awards last week. The awards were given by the New Jersey Package Executives Club at a dinner for the honorees.

The Club comprises packaging professionals from all facets of the industry. The competition was judged by Jill Hilton, Global Package Devleoper for the Estee Lauder Holiday Programs, and Karen Topolewski, Creative Manager for the Personal Care category of Colgate-Palmolive’s Internal Package Design team.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Don Droppo, Jr., President & CEO of Curtis Packaging, “it is gratifying to be rewarded for our consistent commitment to high quality and innovation.”

Curtis received the Bronze in the Fragrance category and the award for Luxury in the Special Awards category. Both awards were in recognition of the company’s work on the folding carton for Coty’s Beyoncé Heat.

Sandy Hook, CT, October 29, 2010 – Packaging leader visits the farm they supported in partnership with NativeEnergy. Curtis Packaging has offset the greenhouse gas emissions from their operations by helping an East Canaan, CT, dairy farm build a new manure composting facility. The composting operation at Laurelbrook Farm will avoid the release of the methane gas that typically results from manure storage.

Curtis Packaging has purchased a share of the emissions reductions that the project will produce over the next 10 years. This sale takes advantage of NativeEnergy’s innovative HelpBuild™ model, which provides the farm with critical upfront funding for project construction. The emissions reductions will be third party verified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard.

Recently, Curtis Packaging CEO Don Droppo, Jr. and Director of Quality Kerry Brown traded in their offices for a visit to the farm. They joined representatives from the U.S. EPA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NativeEnergy, and others for an educational demonstration of this new technology. Droppo and Brown were able to meet the farm’s owner, Bob Jacquier, and see the project they helped build in action. The day’s festivities included demonstrations of the new equipment, educational talks, and lunch at a neighboring farm.

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Bob [Jacquier] and experience first hand the legacy of responsible resource management we are supporting through this project,” said Don Droppo, Jr.

Founded in 1948 and managed by the Jacquier family for three generations, the Laurelbrook Dairy Farm began composting manure on a limited basis three years ago. However, their equipment broke down and couldn’t be repaired economically. Learning of the opportunity to sell the greenhouse-gas reductions that would result from restored operations, the Jacquiers decided to rebuild the composting operation. Now with the help of NativeEnergy and supporting companies like Curtis Packaging, Laurelbrook has installed a more efficient and reliable separation technology that will avoid the methane pollution typically resulting from the storage of dairy manure—equivalent to more than 15,000 tons of greenhouse gas pollution over the next 10 years.

Bob Jacquier, who oversees the farm, said: “We believe the composting operation is the best way to take full advantage of the nutrients in the waste stream while significantly reducing the environmental threat posed by manure decomposition and nutrient run-off. It’s a difficult time to operate a dairy farm, but we take pride in taking the best care of our animals and being good stewards of the land.”

With this offset purchase, Curtis Packaging is addressing the unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions from its business operations and corporate air travel—a total of 627 short tons. The company engages in a number of important sustainability initiatives, including purchasing 100% renewable electricity through renewable energy credits, and actively participating in groups like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

Curtis Packaging invites companies, individuals, and the wider community to learn more about greenhouse gas emissions and take steps to reduce and offset their impact by visiting NativeEnergy.

Sandy Hook, CT, June 5, 2010 – Top production expert is rewarded with a promotion at the environmentally responsible packaging innovator. Curtis Packaging, one of the nation’s leading producers of luxury packaging, has promoted John Giusto to the newly created post of Chief Operating Officer.

Giusto has served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for the past three years at Curtis, achieving that position after a three-year stint as Vice President of Manufacturing. In his new role as COO, he is responsible for all of the company’s manufacturing groups including Prepress, Printing, Cutting, Finishing, and Warehousing. He also oversees Continuous Improvement, Quality Control and Statistical Control programs.

“John Giusto is well recognized throughout the industry as a leader and innovator,” notes Donald R. Droppo, Jr., President & CEO of Curtis Packaging. “Our customers expect the extraordinary from Curtis Packaging. John knows what it takes to deliver on that promise, day in and day out.”

Giusto had over 40 years of manufacturing experience in the package printing industry before joining Curtis in April 2004. Prior to his arrival, he served for 11 years as Vice President of Manufacturing at Inland Consumer Packaging, where he was responsible for the Litho-Laminate operations.

Before starting his assignment at Inland, Giusto worked for 30 years with Heminway Packaging, a leading manufacturer of high-end folding cartons. During his distinguished career there, Giusto held a series of senior level manufacturing positions.

“A lot of people talk about value added in our industry,” says Droppo. “John knows how to apply the concept constructively, adding a wealth of experience and creativity to every project we do. That keeps Curtis ahead of our competition and makes us more valuable to our customers.”