Greif Exceeds Expectations in Q2 2025 with Strong Financial Performance and Sustainability Leadership
In a surprising move, Greif, the global leader in industrial packaging, has exceeded expectations in its Second Quarter 2025 earnings call. Despite ongoing macroeconomic volatility, the company's resilient business model and emphasis on controlling what they can control have given them confidence in their role ahead.
Greif's CEO, Ole Rosgaard, expressed pride in the company's progress under its Build to Last strategy. He highlighted the importance of the company's culture as a core competitive advantage, citing their recognition as one of Newsweek's Top 100 most loved workplaces in the world for the third consecutive year and Gallup's Exceptional Workplace Award for the second year in a row.
The company's commitment to sustainability also sets it apart. As Ole Rosgaard noted, "Sustainability is the right thing to do, but it's also a clear business advantage." This marks their 16th consecutive year publishing a sustainability report, a rare track record in their industry.
Greif has achieved $10 million in run rate savings toward its full-year commitment of $15 million to $25 million and $100 million total commitments compared to its 2024 baseline. The company's operations and engineering teams are embracing change and utilizing Six Sigma practices to advance scalable and structural change in process efficiency and scrap reduction across their metal and fiber production plants.
As Larry Hilsheimer, CFO, noted, "Our portfolio continues to show resilience with especially strong performance in the areas we are investing." Polymer Solutions volumes improved year-over-year with small containers and IBC both up. The company's polymers growth was driven by its target growth end markets of agrochemicals, food and beverage, pharma, and flavors and frequencies, which all showed year-over-year growth.
The company has raised its full-year guidance, reflecting their confidence in the role ahead. As Ole Rosgaard noted, "Our strategy is working. We are sharpening our competitive edge, optimizing operations, and expanding in high-return markets that positions us well when demand accelerates."
