What’s the Benefit of Sustainable Packaging?
In our previous article, we shared information on the work of the Forestry Stewardship Council© (FSC) and how they help us to supply sustainable packaging. Their standards ensure the future of the world’s forests, through responsible management. This is beneficial for the long-term future of the packaging industry, as well as all of the plants, animals and people that depend on trees to live.
Setting and working towards sustainability goals, such as FSC© certification takes time and effort. For many businesses, it is another task on the list of things demanding attention. For this reason, some wait until it becomes an industry regulation before taking action.
Why did Aylesbury Box Company decide to prioritise sustainable packaging and processes and what benefits does it bring?
What are the Benefits of Sustainable Work Practices?
The obvious benefit of sustainable practices is lowering the environmental impact of your business. We can all see that the climate is changing. Record-breaking heatwaves, droughts and fires, along with devastating storms and flooding are now experienced frequently, across all parts of the globe. Each action is one small step towards slowing the rate of environmental destruction. If every business in the world took action, the results could benefit every one of us.
Sustainable practices also bring commercial advantages. For a start, we have cut the cost of energy bills, waste management fees and production costs by altering our processes. In a competitive market, any cost savings are a blessing.
The other commercial advantage is providing consumer choice. In the latest FSC© and Kantar survey*, 60% of respondents reported making conscious purchasing decisions. The majority understand that healthy forests play a role in addressing climate change. As a result, 70% would prefer packaging and products with the FSC© label.
The FSC© survey found that 63% of respondents had a positive opinion of brands that were actioning sustainability measures.
Finally, sustainable practices help to secure the long-term outlook for a business. The less we rely on raw materials, energy and water supplies, the greater the chance that we can continue operating.
How to Set & Action Environmental Goals & Targets
If your business can see the advantages of focusing on the reduce, reuse, recycle agenda, an event held today may be of interest. Sustainable Packaging Futures (Wednesday 28 September) promises guidance on how to move towards environmental goals and targets.
Hosted by the FSC© and certification company, SGS, this event will increase your understanding of supply chain sustainability and knowledge of certified materials. It will show how actioning sustainable practices can impact consumer choices, brand reputation and business longevity, as well as playing a role in protecting the environment.
Our Story; Sustainable Packaging, Sustainable Processes
One of the reasons we focused on cardboard packaging is that it is a sustainable product. The fibres of used cardboard boxes are collected and heat processed, so they are suitable for reforming into the next batch of cardboard boxes. Although some raw material is typically added, this process appealed to our interest in the circular economy.
We’ve always made a conscious decision to source cardboard from responsibly managed forests. The easiest way to do this is to work with FSC© Certified suppliers. This stamp of approval provided the reassurance that our product was not damaging the environment. In reality, since the introduction of FSC© forestry schemes, more trees have been planted than have been felled.
Reducing Energy, Water & Waste
Providing sustainable packaging was one thing, however, we knew we could do more. Over the last decade or more, we’ve considered the sustainability of every aspect of our processes. Where there have been opportunities to reduce water and energy use, we’ve taken them. This has included investment in more efficient machinery, LED lighting and changes to workplace habits.
We’ve taken an interest in minimising waste, actioning anything that can be reduced or recycled. As a result, we’ve upscaled and increased output, yet our waste levels have declined. Communication with our waste collection providers has also given us a clear picture of what happens to our waste when it leaves our site.
The majority of our customers are located within 40 miles of our factory, helping to reduce transport miles. Our fleet is predominantly electric and our staff are offered incentives that promote sustainable practices, such as the Bike2Work scheme.
Providing Customers with Sustainable Packaging Options
In recent years, more of our prospects and customers were enquiring about the environmental credentials of our packaging. They wanted evidence of supply chain sustainability, to reassure their customers and fulfil ESG goals. We know that gaining FSC© certification has influenced many customers’ decision to select us as their packaging manufacturer.
If your company is looking for a packaging company that supports its ESG goals, get in touch with the team at Aylesbury Box Company on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk. As an FSC© certified packaging manufacturer, we offer evidence of supply chain sustainability.
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