IRONMONGERY AND SECURITY
VERIFYING SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS In an increasingly sustainability-centric world, how can merchants determine the authenticity of suppliers sustainable claims?
M
ore and more customers are making decisions with the environment in mind. With this, alongside tighter requirements
laid out for the construction industry, which is a large contributor of carbon emissions, merchants are facing constant pressure to ensure that the products they sell and the companies they work with align with the country’s rapidly approaching, legally binding net zero goals.
It’s not just about the environment, there are commercial drivers too - the modern consumer is increasingly concerned with environmental issues, with 80% of consumers willing to pay 9.7% more for products that meet certain environmental criteria, such as the sustainable sourcing of materials, or a carbon conscious supply chain. Lara Coutinho, ERA’s Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, says that it is crucial that merchants work with suppliers that can support them, not only in delivering ethical goods to customers, but by ensuring that they are operating in line with sustainability legislation, using the most innovative materials available, and avoiding association with dishonest sustainability claims to protect their reputation.
“With greenwashing an ever-present concern, proof over promises is a must. Bold sustainability statements are not enough; suppliers are expected to report on how they deliver and measure the change they are setting out to achieve,” she says. “Therefore, merchants should prioritise working with companies that publish annual reports that explain their ethical intentions and document how they perform against them.” Coutinho says that evaluating the quality and detail of the data provided in these reports is also important. “For example, in its 2022 report, ERA committed to a 2030 Sustainability Roadmap which outlined how it would contribute to three of the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals - Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action.” In 2023, ERA directly reported on its progress, announcing that 37% of the revenue made from its products positively impacted one or more of the UN SDGs. “Transparent reporting like this provides
22
a clear view of performance. Such data demonstrates alignment with respected and relevant global targets, and helps to build trust with stakeholders, including supply chain partners, customers and investors.”
Supply chain transparency She explains that a strong indicator of transparency is a company’s membership with platforms designed to improve ethical supply chain practices, such as Sedex, a global organisation supporting businesses in achieving better practices, specifically in relation to labour standards, health and safety, environment, and overall business ethics. She says: “Companies that are part of the platform, such as ERA, provide data about their ethical practices, which can be accessed by other Sedex members to verify their performance in these areas. Members can also undergo voluntary Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits, which demonstrate progress and a clear desire to improve compliance. “Plus, these platforms are also an effective way of verifying a supplier’s own supply chain. ERA is proud to confirm that its top five suppliers are also members of Sedex. “ Coutinho adds that merchants have a lot to gain by working with partners that openly share their sustainability-related data, helping to avoid the perils of greenwashing. When partnering with a supplier, it is also good practice to consider its stance on Environmental Product Declarations. Created based on data obtained through a Life-Cycle Assessment, an EPD is delivered once the results of the LCA have been peer reviewed, in line with the latest construction standards.
She adds: “For merchants, sourcing and supplying products with this documentation
demonstrates a commitment to the environment and a desire to be honest and ethical. Furthermore, EPDs grant merchants better visibility. With a clearer view of how the products they stock are made, they can make more informed decisions on the products they choose to sell and the suppliers they choose to work with.”
Certified sustainable packaging Considering there is a huge drive for businesses to reevaluate the packaging they use to protect and transport their products. Merchants should consider working with suppliers that are either already using sustainable packaging or are working to develop such options, bearing in mind that that 80% of the plastic marine litter found in our oceans has come from land. ERA has made a commitment to move to 100% sustainable packaging by 2026, as part of its Sustainability Roadmap. Coutinho continues: “Looking out for suppliers that are using alternatives to single-use, unrecyclable materials is a good place to start. For example, the use of recycled content, compostable materials, or reusable packaging solutions can contribute to reducing environmental impact and promote a more circular approach. “Again, transparency remains essential. Merchants can check this by ensuring that the packaging isn’t based on vague claims, but rather specific, verifiable details. This includes requesting access to relevant documentation and certifications to validate the packaging’s compliance and sustainability credentials. “By prioritising partnerships with suppliers that provide a clear stance on sustainability, merchants can ensure that their products are part of a responsible and ethical supply chain.“ BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
