SUSTAINABILITY CHANGES THAT MAKE A
BIG DIFFERENCE Effi-Svende Ball, the Value Chain Director, at Okarno, formerly known as Artex, tells BMJ how recent changes within the business are helping customers to reduce their environmental impact.
T
he focus on sustainability continues as more merchants journey towards reducing carbon emissions. As a business we are fully committed to sustainability and, as part of the Saint Gobain Group, aim to become net-zero carbon by 2050. Many other businesses, including merchants, are on the same pathway. For us, it means focussing on those initiatives that make the biggest different, with transport being one of the largest carbon emitters for all organisations.
In order to tackle this, we are making the move to hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) for our fleet of delivery vehicles, resulting in a remarkable 90% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to diesel. We are currently in the process of transitioning our entire fleet to HVO. This not only benefits the environment but also improves air quality and the well-being of our customers, colleagues, and local communities. We deliver on our HVO-transitioning fleet directly through three service options - single pallets, mixed pallet loads, or small parcels. Customers have the flexibility to order as little as a single pallet, whether it is a full pallet of one product or a mix of products from the entire range. For quick and small orders, the Okarno Gyproc Express service allows for single parcel purchases.
Heating systems are another significant source of carbon emissions in both homes and businesses, and here we have made progress in decarbonizing by installing biomass to replace diesel and gas. These systems run on timber, a renewable energy source that would have otherwise gone to waste. This change has led to a reduction of 150 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
There are ways, too, that suppliers can help customers achieve their sustainability goals. Within this area we are working to reduce packaging waste and promoting recyclability. For instance, collaborating with our bag, film, and tub supplier is helping to minimise packaging and means we can switch to more eco-friendly alternatives. Our goal is to use a
New name and new future At the start of this year, our business underwent a rebranding to Okarno in order to better reflect our position as a sustainable supply chain partner for leading construction brands such as Gyproc, Thistle, and Weber. The new brand, which carries the tagline
“There are no others like us”, aims to foster a shared sense of purpose, energy, and enthusiasm, while highlighting our distinct approach to supply chain logistics. At the same time, we like to think that the new brand positions us as a champion of sustainable supply chain practices in the industry. The Okarno brand represents a modern, adaptable style that still pays homage to the company’s heritage. This is particularly important to customers as we have deep roots in the market going back to our formation in 1935.
minimum of 30% recycled plastic for primary, secondary, and transport packaging. Replacing plastic air packs in our Gyproc Express boxes with shredded cardboard produced on-site has already made a step change in sustainability. This not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly options from customers. Proper and safe recycling of plastics is a key and ongoing priority for us.
Committed to net zero by 2050 The next decade will be crucial if the UK is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It’s a reason why merchants and retailers are choosing to work with their suppliers to make packaging more sustainable. Over the next few years, we have the bold ambition to increase the share of recycled content in packaging, reduce our virgin-plastic footprint, and move to reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials. Achieving this ambitious goal is far from easy, with demand for post-consumer recycled plastic packaging forecast to increase threefold by 2030 —while the supply of such materials is currently lagging behind. It is a challenge faced by the whole industry.
It’s one of the reasons why we are actively encouraging more recycling and here we have improved the information on our plastic packaging labels to assist merchants in their journey towards low and zero carbon. By providing clearer instructions, we aim to maximise the recycling potential of our plastic packaging. We also highlight packaging made from recycled content with an eco-stamp, making it easier to identify.
March 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
It is crucial to remember that despite the rebranding, the values and offerings remain unchanged. The Okarno brand is built on strong foundations of constantly striving to exceed customer expectations and provide best-in-class services that make their lives easier.
The transformation of Artex into Okarno and advancement of our sustainability journey marks a significant change in our company’s identity, showcasing our ability to offer distinctive and unique supply chain solutions. Our goal is to strengthen our position as a trusted partner in the industry, while creating new opportunities for merchants, decorator centres and retailers.
Looking to the future We understand that our customers are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint and are actively seeking ways to reduce their impact on the environment. That is why sustainability is a core value that guides our actions and decisions. We recognise the urgent need to address climate change and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why we are aligned with our parent company goals of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
We continue to work closely with recycling experts to ensure that our operations, logistics and packaging are designed with the environment in mind.
By also improving the recycling and safe disposal information on our plastic packaging labels, we hope to empower our customers to make informed choices and take actions that contribute to a more sustainable future. We believe that small changes can make a big difference, and together, we can work towards a low and zero-carbon future. BMJ
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