INDUSTRY COMMENT
are now entering the workforce in droves, can be credited with a new shift in jobseekers attitudes. In one recent survey, it was reported that almost half the UK workforce (42%) now want to work for an organisation that has a positive impact upon the world – and of those born between 1981 and 1996, half prefer purposeful work to a high salary, and 53% would work harder if they were making a difference to others.
By not appreciating the mood of this increasingly powerful and influential generation, we risk isolating two thirds of the up-and-coming talent pool. It is imperative that all cleaning and hygiene companies enact the necessary changes from within to ensure that our industry attracts the best and brightest from this group – as they are, after all, those who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
TRANSFORMING
OUR VALUE OFFERING Throughout the long and successful history of Sealed Air, sustainability has always played a central role. It is, and always has been, the driving force behind much of what we do. Sealed Air’s Bubble Wrap was revolutionary – not only as a product, but also because of its sustainable value proposition. It could reduce total packaging costs by using less material, reduce packaging size and weight, and reduce losses caused by
damaged goods. In other words, we are proud to be able to say that we have promoted sustainability long before it became ‘fashionable’.
Our industry is often viewed through the merchandise we sell – packaging for food, industrial products and cleaning products for example. But that is no longer enough. We must ask ourselves what solutions our products provide – and how do those solutions make a global impact? The answer to this question will only become more significant as our businesses evolve.
I believe we no longer sell packaging: we sell increased shelf life. And this shelf life provides access to healthy food and reduces waste, which in turn contributes to increased food security and environmental benefits. We no longer sell cleaning products: we sell hygiene. Proper hygiene benefits communities the world over, from the most advanced cities to villages in remote areas. We no longer sell packaging that simply delivers what consumers buy. We sell product security that helps our customers reduce costs associated with breakability, returns and reshipment and in turn, reduces the environmental impacts such as additional waste and energy use.
This is why, in 2015, sustainability is still at the top of Sealed Air’s agenda. This year we released our 2020 Sustainability Goals. Based around three pillars – reducing our footprint, re-imagining customer solutions, and benefiting society – these 2020 Goals demonstrate our commitment and accountability for sustainable solutions and superior products.
There is a strong business case for sustainability – but a truly sustainable company needs to put this value at the core of its business. Its benefits and impact on both customers and the wider global community need to be understood and supported by every employee, and permeate the strategy and decision-making of every single discipline of the company. Today, it is critical to the long-term success of any business to consider the full life-cycle of each and every innovation they create and sell. And I am confident that our sector will continue to lead the way in this endeavour.
www.sealedair.com
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
Tomorrow’s Cleaning Sustainability Supplement 2015 | 11
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