(
www.cleaningshow.co.uk/manchester).
(
https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/) (
https://chsa.co.uk/roadmap-to-sustainability/)
Making every day a World Environment Day
Cromwell Polythene’s Managing Director, James Lee, outlines the five pillars of the CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability.
5 June marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. We’re proud to champion the United Nations’ annual flagship day promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. It’s clear that we need to act now by working together – using solutions that exist to protect our planet, including re-use, re-manufacture, repair, and recycle.
A great deal of discussion is being had and measures are accelerating to tackle climate change and achieve the target of global net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, identifying the environmental impact of a product/process isn’t always straightforward. Coupled with the day-to-day reality of commercial pressures, this is a complex issue.
To help the sector rise to the challenges, the Cleaning and Hygiene Supplier’s Association (CHSA) is rolling out its ‘Roadmap to Sustainability’, a practical programme to help members and the wider industry with activities and insights to achieve a more sustainable future. I was proud to present the development of this initiative at The Manchester Cleaning Show 2022, on behalf of the CHSA, following up on my presentation at last year’s London Cleaning Show.
Integrating the five sustainability pillars
So, what sustainable steps should businesses be taking? Here are some ways that Cromwell is applying the five pillars, and tips for how organisations can embody environmental best practice:
1) Product
Check how the products you buy are manufactured and the supply chain behind this. It’s important to take a whole lifecycle approach when measuring a product’s sustainable credentials. This includes how materials are sourced, production processes, packaging efficiency, transportation, product use, durability, recycling and disposal methods, including any waste or by-products. Look for recognised environmental standards and take time to assess whether you’re investing in the right tool for the job.
2) Packaging
Packaging should be kept to a minimum and be both recyclable and easy for end users to recycle. I regularly emphasise that there are many benefits to using plastic packaging, when it’s manufactured and used responsibly. It can, for example, prevent food waste and, due to its lightweight characteristics, reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gases.
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Cromwell Polythene provides the option to use Poly Packed Packaging as an alternative to cardboard boxes. This packaging can be made from over 30% recycled content and easily recycled once used. Legislation including the Plastic Packaging Tax introduced in April, and Extended Producer Responsibility to be phased in during 2024, are key drivers to reducing excess packaging and accelerating the amount of recycled content.
3) Transportation
This covers the complete supply chain, from raw material sourcing to delivery to the end user. When we introduced a new fleet of delivery vehicles last year, we selected trucks with strong eco credentials. Product and packaging should be designed so more can be transported in the same space.
The CHSA is supporting members to ask the right questions of their supply chain, including: how do you optimise loads and delivery routes? What’s your strategy for deploying electric vehicles? What steps have you taken to reduce the impact of delivery miles?
4) Social and ethical values
Organisations should have a strong set of values, embodied throughout the business. For instance, one of Cromwell’s is to extend our family values to business partners and communities. Companies large and small should champion ethical and environmentally sound products and processes.
5) Emissions, waste and water
Clear environmental policies and actions should be in place. For example, our investment in new machinery and upgrades has increased energy efficiency, and our buildings have solar panels. We also help customers be more resource-efficient through our polythene recovery service. This keeps valuable resources within the circular economy by returning clean polythene packaging to the production cycle.
Each business has its own set of unique challenges. However, by assessing measures against each of these pillars, you can start moving towards a more sustainable future.
www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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