Gemline (PPAI 113948, S10) has streamlined its corporate social responsibility initiatives under its new “betterway” program, the Massachusetts-based supplier announced Monday in conjunction with the release of its 2022 CSR Report.

“betterway” provides the framework for how Gemline promotes a better world through environmental stewardship, charitable giving, diversity, equity and inclusion leadership, and ethical business practices. The program has three pillars: People, Planet and Product.

People: Charitable Giving                                                                                                     

  • In 2022, Gemline donated over $740,000 in cash and in-kind donations to charitable causes including Ukraine humanitarian relief efforts, as well as health and wellness programs, housing and human welfare programs, and leadership activities in their local community of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
  • Among others, Gemline is a proud supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, One Family Inc., Northern Essex Community College and the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center.
  • Gemline’s brand partners, including MiiR, CORKCICLE, Modern Sprout, Moleskine, Out of the Woods, Slowtide and W&P, all contributed funds to charitable efforts.


Planet: Environmental Stewardship

  • To minimize its environmental footprint and reduce its impact on the planet, Gemline installed a 1,736-panel solar power generation system at its Lawrence headquarters which currently generates 45% of the power required to operate the facility.
  • Gemline also continued to be a Zero Landfill Facility, meaning no waste from its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Lawrence went into a landfill for the fourth consecutive year.

Product: Responsible Products                                                                                          

  • By the end of 2022, Gemline made great strides in its PVC-free journey, resulting in a 78% PVC-free product line.
  • In 2022, 33% of the new products Gemline introduced met at least one of the following eco-friendly criteria: products made with recycled materials, made with materials derived from renewable resources or intended to help reduce single use plastics.
  • Gemline also continues to seek partnerships with eco-friendly brands, including Out of the Ocean, Out of the Woods, Osprey and Slowtide.


2023 Goals

Gemline has earmarked several additional CSR initiatives for 2023, including expanding its giving efforts.

  • Monday, Gemline announced its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and One Tree Planted. Gemline will be donating significant funds to both nonprofit organizations and continuing to support its surrounding communities and global humanitarian efforts through additional charitable donations.
  • Other 2023 focus areas include improving the company’s sustainability practices, continuing its waste management success and achieving greater than a 90% PVC-free product line. Additional details can be found in its 2022 Annual CSR Report.

“We strongly believe Gemline has a long-term ongoing responsibility to our community and the environment,” said Frank Carpenito, president & CEO of Gemline. “We are proud of what we have accomplished, but also know there is much more to do. We are committed to growing our business in a better way, one that helps to build and support communities, creates products using sustainable materials and protects the planet for generations to come.”