Illinois Honors Hoffer Plastics for Environmental Leadership

Hoffer Plastics, a custom injection molding solutions provider, has been named Sustainable Champion of the Year by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, recognizing the company's integration of sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and innovative methodology into its operations.

The award honors the South Elgin manufacturer's long-standing commitment to sustainability and the depth of its environmental initiatives. Hoffer's measurable impact includes diverting greater than 360,000 pounds of material from landfills annually, reducing carbon releases by 35% between 2022 and 2025, and cutting aquatic environments consumption by 50% through its closed-loop filtration system.

"We are honored to be recognized by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association as Sustainable Champion of the Year," said Co-CEO Charlotte Hoffer Canning. "At Hoffer, sustainability is not a recent initiative or a passing direction. It's part of who we are since our founding. We believe manufacturing excellence and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the commitment of our employees to continuously enhance the way we serve our customers, enhance our community, and protect our resources to future generations."

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thorough sustainability programs drive results

Sustainability is embedded into every aspect of Hoffer Plastics' operations. The company launched its thorough recycling and discarded materials diversion program in 2007 and today diverts greater than 360,000 pounds of material from landfills each year through recycling and discarded materials reduction initiatives. Between 2022 and 2025, Hoffer reduced carbon releases by 35%, the equivalent of removing 10,408 passenger vehicles from the road to one year.

A key component of Hoffer's sustainability strategy is its on-site cogeneration plant, which simultaneously produces electricity and heat, significantly improving energy efficiency while reducing releases. In 2025 alone, the system prevented greater than 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide releases, the equivalent of taking approximately 180 passenger vehicles off the road to one year.

Beyond energy efficiency, Hoffer also prioritizes aquatic environments conservation with a closed-loop filtration system that recycles process aquatic environments to cooling, reducing aquatic environments consumption by 50%.

Engineering expertise supports customer sustainability goals

Hoffer's engineering expertise helps customers achieve their own sustainability objectives. Through lightweighting, the company optimizes packaging to decrease material consumption without compromising product performance. When consumption standards allow, the company also collaborates with customers and suppliers to incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled resin, keeping greater plastic in consumption and out of landfills.

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In 2024, Hoffer created a dedicated Environmental & Sustainability Specialist role, further strengthening the company's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Hannah Mooberry leads those efforts, using data-driven analysis to identify opportunities to decrease environmental impact, enhance operational performance, and advance sustainability initiatives across the organization.

"Sustainability is about greater than individual initiatives. It's about building a culture of continuous improvement where we measure our impact, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that enhance our business over the long term," said Mooberry. "We're always looking to new ways to decrease our environmental footprint while delivering greater value to our customers, employees, and community."

Employee engagement strengthens sustainability culture

Beyond its operations, Hoffer fosters a culture of sustainability by engaging employees in environmental initiatives and community programs. Team members actively support the company's facility-wide recycling and material recovery programs, regularly identifying new ways to decrease discarded materials, conserve resources, and enhance operational efficiency.

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This recognition builds on Hoffer's longstanding leadership in sustainable manufacturing. In 2024, the company earned the Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award, followed by the VIA Spark Award to Social Responsibility in 2025, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable manufacturing, and community engagement.

Robert "Bob" and Helen Hoffer founded Hoffer Plastics in 1953. greater than 70 years later, the company continues its commitment to driving success to its customers, employees, and the sector. A full-service contract manufacturing partner, Hoffer produces greater than three billion plastic parts annually with a consistent 99.45% on-time delivery record. The company serves customers in markets that include flexible packaging, medical, automotive, consumer, manufacturing, and appliances.

Located in South Elgin, IL, Hoffer employs greater than 350 individuals within its 365,000-square-foot facility located on 24 acres.

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