The UK government has set its sights on achieving NetZero by 2050. For those who have been partnered with us for some time will have no doubt heard us sing about our own Zero100 scheme to achieve NetZero and carbon neutrality. We have already made great progress towards this with a complete overhaul of product packaging across our three brands to eliminate single use plastics from the supply chain.
However, to achieve greater change, we are aware that we are going to need to encourage others to come along with us. Plus, in the same way that it is not possible for one person or group to tackle this kind of problem alone, we also need to recognise we need to change our habits in a variety of ways. If we are to achieve NetZero, buying products with sustainable, recyclable packaging is just the start. Use of low-carbon materials such as cross-laminated timber, recycled steel and low carbon concrete needs to become standard.
Environmentally responsible sourcing as a concept is easy to get behind, however the practicalities can be a little less appealing on the surface. When the industry is in a period of downturn, the prospect of paying more for products due to their social and environmental responsibilities may seem like an own goal. This is not the case. When out in the field, our team have interacted with everyone from national chains, independent retailers down to the end user. It is our experience that the drive for change has been customer led. Given the option, end users will pick the ethically sourced option even at a slightly increased cost.
It’s also important to consider other kinds of waste generated within the industry that reaches far beyond product packaging. We are a big advocate of the circular economy and keeping existing products and materials within the supply chain for as long as possible through repairing, recycling and more.
The construction industry generates an excessive amount of waste materials. Most of this surplus is discarded and destroyed even when there is still value left in the so-called waste. We encourage merchants and manufacturers to explore ideas such as take-back schemes for materials which may still offer some commercial value. Alternatively, encourage customers to reuse, sell on or even donate their materials. Instilling these possibilities into the consumer is key, as they are as much a part of the supply chain as retailers, suppliers and manufacturers.
Some years ago, the UK government added a charge to plastic bags, encouraging the use of reusable bags for life in retailers across the country and industries. We should all be highlighting the value of reusing products. One of the key reasons that we upgraded the Optimaxx Maxxtub from their old design was to try and change consumer habits for the better. By purchasing a reliable storage tub that customers can refill time and time again, this effectively removes the need for replacement tubs from the supply chain.
These are just a few of the many initiatives that we can all work towards to bring down our carbon emissions. The process will take time and the transition is hard to make alone, but together, we can make it seem less daunting.
