Sustainability For example, a simple inquiry about packaging recently led us


to consider adopting a new shrink-wrap which, unlike regular plastic wrap, bio-assimilates (decays into CO2, H2O and biomass). Tis illustrates how staying curious can lead to meaningful sustainability advancements. Examining every aspect of the business with an inquisitive


mindset ensures no opportunity for innovation is overlooked and reinforces a culture of continuous improvement.


Managing the overwhelm and taking sustainability step by step Sustainability can oſten feel overwhelming, especially if you want to know everything immediately. However, real progress comes from breaking down initiatives into manageable steps. It’s crucial to prioritise strategically, tackling projects that you can deliver. Tis might mean starting with a quick win, or the most environmentally or financially impactful initiative. Just remember, even things that seem small add up to positive results. At Westcoast, we carefully assess opportunities by their potential


impact, taking small steps at a time and seeing them all add up. For example, we made the simple decision to choose renewable energy suppliers, which is how we achieved 71% renewable energy. We hope to reach 100% renewable energy this year. Focusing on the areas with the greatest potential impact prevents


teams from becoming bogged down by the scale of the challenge. Networking is crucial to Westcoast’s ongoing sustainability


journey. Connecting with ESG professionals, customers and suppliers provides invaluable insights and collaborative opportunities. Tese relationships accelerate our sustainability initiatives through shared experiences and collective wisdom. I am constantly learning from industry peers. It’s important


to be open about your journey and continually build your knowledge base. It’s also important to remember that there is no prize for one


Treating compliance as a collaborative effort rather than an


individual responsibility ensured the organisation could prepare effectively and avoid last-minute pressure.


Monetising sustainability through opportunities and services Tere is increasing demand for sustainable solutions within the channel. At Westcoast, we researched, identified and selected services from like-minded partners, including device recycling, which both bolsters our sustainability credentials and generates new revenue streams for our partners. Clearly presenting the profitability of sustainable practices can transform board perspectives. Selecting services that resonate with customers and clearly


communicating both their financial and environmental benefits proved key. A proactive approach to sustainability involves continuously


educating yourself, attending industry events and remaining curious about market developments. I regularly engage with suppliers, industry experts and customers at events to deepen my understanding and spot new opportunities. Being inquisitive and thorough in your approach ensures no potential opportunities are overlooked.


www.pcr-online.biz


business achieving its sustainability goals before everyone else. It’s not a race. We all have to get there together – sharing our learnings and taking the whole channel with us on the sustainability journey. Every sustainability action contributes cumulatively to your


overall strategy. Aligning these initiatives with broader business goals resonates strongly at board level. It’s important to take any and every opportunity to talk about sustainability with your colleagues to keep it front and centre in decision-making. Events like World Environment Day (5 June) offer an excellent chance to highlight your achievements and aid board-level commitment. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate successes. For example,


across our offices in Teale, Andover, Milton Keynes and Spire, we recycled 27.7 tonnes of plastic, in addition to 331 tonnes of card and paper, in 2024 alone. When it comes to embedding sustainability within your


business, the most important step is to begin. Building internal connectivity, identifying profitable opportunities, fostering curiosity and learning, and tackling initiatives systematically all help establish sustainability as a vital pillar of organisational strategy. By starting early, sharing progress and maintaining momentum, businesses can drive meaningful change. Sustainability is an ongoing journey – and we’re all in it together.


January/February 2026 | 23


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  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52