Green Thinking 2019 B

Connecting the

business products world

2 I9

GREEN THINKING

Dedicated to SUSTAINABILITY

GREEN THINKING COMMENT

The Team EDITORIAL Editor Heike Dieckmann +44 (0)20 7841 2950 heike.dieckmann@opi.net Deputy Editor Michelle Sturman +44 (0)20 7841 2942 michelle.sturman@opi.net News Editor Andy Braithwaite +33 4 32 62 71 07 andy.braithwaite@opi.net Freelance Contributor David Holes david.holes@opi.net SALES AND MARKETING Chief Commercial Officer Chris Exner +44 (0)7973 186801 chris.exner@opi.net Head of Media Sales Chris Turness +44 (0)20 7841 2953 chris.turness@opi.net Digital Marketing Manager Aurora Enghis +44 (0)20 7841 2959 aurora.enghis@opi.net EVENTS Events Manager Lisa Haywood +44 (0)20 7841 2941 events@opi.net FINANCE AND PRODUCTION Finance Kelly Hilleard +44 (0)20 7841 2956 kelly.hilleard@opi.net Production Amy Byrne +44 (0)20 7841 2950 amy.byrne@opi.net Studio Joel Mitchell joel.mitchell@opi.net PUBLISHERS CEO Steve Hilleard +44 (0)20 7841 2940 steve.hilleard@opi.net Director Janet Bell +44 (0)20 7841 2941 janet.bell@opi.net Office Products International Ltd (OPI) 2nd Floor 112 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5SA, UK +44 (0)20 7841 2950 Printed in the UK by The MANSON Group

The carrier sheet is printed on Satimat Silk paper, which is produced on pulp-manufactured wood obtained from recognised responsible forests and at an FSCÂŽ-certified mill. It is polywrapped in plastic that will biodegrade within six months.

Make the leap

W

hat a year it's been in terms of environmentalism hitting the headlines: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and the global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion are just two that spring to mind. And it's about time. No matter your personal thoughts on the climate emergency, there can be no denying that extreme weather is wreaking havoc with communities and businesses across the globe.

Importantly, while there may be inertia from governments in dealing with specific aspects of the climate crisis, such as implementing far-reaching legislation on reducing carbon emissions, 2019 has also been a year of major action in terms of dealing with single-use plastic pollution. Admittedly, much of the activity involving plastic has come from some of the world's largest consumer brands and sustainability organisations driving initiatives, but from baby steps come giant strides.

The plastic problem is just one, albeit essential, element of facing up to today's environmental responsibilities. The topic of sustainability is vast, but the more I read, the more I realise just how much everything is interconnected. This is why the concept of the circular economy is so vital right now. We need to move away from the linear economy of take-make-waste and change our mindsets to think in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle.

Michelle Sturman, Deputy Editor

Contents 4 Big interview: HP Inc 10 Single-use plastic 14 Carbon neutral 16 Category overview: Breakroom 20 The green office 22 Category overview: Paper 26 CSR initiatives 32 Spotlight: Emerald Brand

34 Recycling 36 Printer cartridge recycling 38 OPI Green Thinking survey 40 Green innovations 42 Green products 44 Opinion: Russell Hodson 46 Sustainability glossary

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted save with written permission or in accordance with provision of the copyright designs and patents act of 1988. Stringent efforts have been made by Office Products International to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Office Products International cannot accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Office Products International accepts no responsibility for comments made by contributing authors or interviewees that may offend.

3 n GREEN THINKING 2019

BIG INTERVIEW HP INC

Highest Priority Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer at HP Inc talks to OPI’s Michelle Sturman about the company’s ingrained history of sustainability and tackling today’s climate emergency head on

O

PI: Can you start with a little insight into HP’s environmental history, which I believe started in the 1950s.

Nate Hurst: Yes, you’re right. From HP’s perspective, sustainability – and a focus on the environment is a huge piece of that – has been part of our DNA since 1957 when global citizenship was embodied as one of our seven corporate objectives. Back then – as now with our Sustainable Impact strategy – we believed that we should fulfil our responsibility to society by being not only an economic and intellectual force, but also a social asset to each of the communities and countries in which we operate.

Looking back over the decades, there have been numerous examples that exemplify our environmental efforts. Among the many measures we’ve taken, there are a few that stand out. Way back in 1966, for example, we initiated a recycling programme for punched cards at our Palo Alto head office in California. Then, in 1972, four years before the US Congress passed the first legislation governing toxic substances and later, clean air and water, HP adopted a basic manufacturing policy for protecting the environment, including control of all types of known pollution at company facilities.

Renewable energy was already on the agenda as far back as 1975, when an HP team designed and installed a solar heating system at the Sunnyvale site, also located in California. It not only reduced electricity consumption, but saved about $1,000 per month in heating costs.

Probably the most well-known of our major initiatives is the HP Planet Partners programme which introduced the concept of print cartridge return and recycling in 1991 – now it

operates in over 70 countries across the world.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and HP was ahead of the curve when, in 2006, on-site greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) were reduced by 31% from 2005 levels, surpassing a goal we set of 18%. Six years ago, we then set our industry’s first supply chain GHG emissions intensity reduction goal: a 20% decrease in first-tier manufacturing and product transportation-related emissions by 2020, compared to 2010.

As a company, we are always trying to raise the bar for transparency in the IT industry.

OPI: HP has made numerous sustainability announcements this year, what are your shortand long-term goals in this area?

NH: It's certainly been a busy year when talking about environmental and CSR objectives. We’ve established several aims that cut across our entire value chain as well as outside of HP. I’ll provide a brief overview of just a few of the goals, starting with the 7% post-consumer recycled content plastic use in HP personal systems and print products achieved at the end of 2018; the ultimate target is to increase this to 30% by 2025. In terms of operations, our ambition is to use 60% renewable electricity across the company by 2025 and within ten years after that reach 100%.

At the beginning of 2015, we embarked on a decade-long-plan to develop the skills and improve the well-being of 500,000 factory workers. I'm pleased to report that, as of 2018, 255,400 supplier factory workers had participated in various HP programmes.

Nate Hurst, Chief

Sustainability and Social

Impact Officer for HP Inc

4 n GREEN THINKING 2019

OPI: You've talked before about the inclusion of sustainability within tenders. Can you please explain more?

NH: In FY2018, Sustainable Impact helped us win more than $900 million in new revenue, an increase of 35% over the previous year. We also tracked roughly $10 billion in new and potential revenue associated with deals in which we met

BIG INTERVIEW HP INC

customer requirements for registered product ecolabels such as Energy Star, EPEAT and Blue Angel.

These figures reflect the reality that companies see value in purchasing these types of products and services. I see this trend continuing since we work with many businesses which have their own sustainability goals and the fact we can help them reach their objectives is important.

OPI: How do you track the sales that are tied to sustainability?

NH: The sales represent the commercial side of our business and are deals actively supported by HP’s Sustainability and Compliance organisation. In some cases, they are the direct result of request for proposals where sustainability is a known criterion.

OPI: How far down the supply chain does your influence reach and how do you ensure total transparency?

NH: Our supply chain responsibility programme reflects more than 15 years of focused effort to improve human, economic and environmental conditions across our supplier network. As such, we monitor risks regularly through mechanisms such as audits that verify their conformance with our expectations around labour, health and safety, environment, and ethics. Over and above this, we use a range of tools to drive social and environmental actions with key providers, creating an impact on and beyond the factory floor.

HP engages with its suppliers and promotes disclosure of climate and water risks, governance, and performance through global environmental disclosure system, CDP Supply Chain. Our Sustainability Scorecard requires them to provide environmental data through CDP – including GHG emissions and goals, total and renewable energy use, and water withdrawal – to make responses publicly available, and to publish Global Reporting Initiative-based sustainability reports.

In these ways, we improve suppliers’ awareness of environmental impacts and their ability to track and improve performance.

OPI: How does this translate down to dealer channel level?

NH: We’ve found that our channel partners see a similar level of value around sustainability as us; they recognise the business potential and how it can help them support their own customers. As part of our outreach to them, we hold training, provide sales and marketing materials, and include sustainability topics in our large channel events like HP Reinvent.

OPI: Clearly HP is pushing sustainability, but what about the pull factor in terms of your channel partners and end users requesting green items?

NH: I think our Sustainable Impact sales figures

support the fact that being able to order environmentally-friendly products is on the minds of buyers.

OPI: On that note, do you think the perception that green products are more expensive still prevails?

NH: I think it does exist with a certain portion of the population, yes.

HP Planet

Partners is

a return and recycling

programme

We are always trying to raise the bar for transparency in the IT industry OPI: HP has released a number of products this year where sustainability is clearly a key selling point. Can you talk more about these?

NH: From an environmental standpoint, we are focused on growing our business, not our footprint, and supporting our customers to do the same.

We are firmly committed to designing products, solutions and services in a way that drives a more efficient, circular and low-carbon economy.

I have to say the emphasis on sustainable design practices, however, is not new. In fact, our Design for Sustainability programme, founded in 1992, has defined how we develop products that use less energy, require less resources to make and use, and are more easily reused and recycled.

On this last point, we continue to expand the use and type of recycled content in our products. Last year, the Tango printers were launched which are made with more than 30% closed loop recycled plastic by

5 n GREEN THINKING 2019

The HP Sprocket Select contains

more than 50%

recycled plastic

BIG INTERVIEW HP INC

OPI: Can printing ever reach carbon neutrality?

NH: Good question. The answer is yes, we know that printing can be carbon neutral. On 24 October, we released the Tango Terra printer which is the first HP carbon neutral printer as certified by The CarbonNeutral Protocol (see Green Products on page 42 for more information on the Tango Terra).

weight, using plastic from recycled printers and other electronics. Just a few months ago, we also introduced the Sprocket Select, which contains more than 50% recycled plastic.

We expanded our recycling programmes and up to September of this year, sourced more than 450 tonnes of post-consumer, likely ocean-bound plastic bottles from Haiti – equal to more than 35 million bottles that might otherwise have washed into waterways and oceans. This material has been used in the new HP Elite Dragonfly and HP EliteDisplay E273d Docking Monitor, the world’s first notebook and display using ocean-bound plastic.

It is also used in our ink cartridges and hardware products, and we have just announced a commitment to include ocean-bound plastic in all new HP Elite and HP Pro desktop and notebook computers launching in 2020.

OPI: HP recently announced a shift from transactional product sales to service-based models. What impact will this have on your environmental mission?

NH: Service-based models not only aid customers in saving money but, importantly, reduce their environmental footprint. For example, HP Instant Ink helps users reduce costs, lower waste, and increase the return of ink cartridges for recycling.

For businesses, managed print services (MPS) supports this shift, as users can easily scale their technology up or down and ensure that resources are not wasted through equipment reuse, refurbishment, or recycling.

In addition, MPS helps clients manage and optimise printer fleets and digital workflows by combining hardware, supplies, software, and consulting and management services. By servicing and maintaining printer fleets, and refurbishing and redeploying units when practical, we help the environment by keeping printing equipment in use for longer.

OPI: I’d like to go back to the HP Planet Partners scheme. How does it work in practical terms?

NH: We launched the HP Planet Partners return and recycling programme more than 25 years ago for the LaserJet printer, which was later expanded to other product lines. It provides free and convenient take-back arrangements for HP ink and toner cartridges and Samsung toner cartridges in 76 countries and territories.

Consumers and commercial customers can return used the ink and toner cartridges through authorised collection sites at one of more than 17,500 free drop-off locations around the world. For some products and in selected countries, we also offer free pickup and mail back options.

HP's recycling initiatives

include oceanbound plastic

via a programme in Haiti

OPI: This brings me to the question of recycling of e-waste, including printer cartridges, which is a major global issue. What are you doing to help alleviate this problem?

NH: Although we have been a leader in recycling for decades, we persistently introduce new targets.

Three years ago, for example, we set a goal to recycle 1.2 million tonnes of hardware and supplies by 2025 which, by the end of last year, had reached 395,200 tonnes. We have manufactured more than 4.2 billion ink and toner cartridges using more than 107,000 tonnes of recycled plastic.

Through this process, HP has kept 830 million cartridges, 101 million apparel hangers, and 4.37 billion plastic bottles out of landfills – the latter figure equates to the diversion, on average, of around one million water bottles per day. Moreover, over 80% of our ink cartridges and 100% of toner cartridges contain post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content.

We will continue our quest to look for innovative ways to increase the use of recycled content and are designing products that are lighter and use less materials to ensure fewer natural resources are required to make them or have to be recycled at the end of service.

OPI: On the subject of natural resources, in your latest sustainability report, you talk about ‘zerodeforestation’ for your HP-branded papers.

What does this entail?

NH: People want to print sustainably and one way of doing this is through the paper used for printing. In 2016, we set a zero-deforestation target to ensure all HP brand paper and paper-based product packaging will be derived from certified

6 n GREEN THINKING 2019

BIG INTERVIEW HP INC

We will continue our quest to look for innovative ways to increase the use of recycled content and recycled sources by 2020. I'm proud to say that we achieved this the very same year for the HP brand paper and have maintained the performance ever since. Last year, we attained 65% of our goal for product packaging and are on course to meet this objective by the deadline.

OPI: How will you achieve this?

NH: Our next steps in creating a forest-positive future for printing are with longstanding partner and conservation leader World Wildlife Fund (WWF). In partnering with WWF, we are committing to the restoration, protection and conservation of 200,000 acres of forest, an area equal to the size of New York City. Over the five-year agreement, we will contribute $11 million for WWF to reinstate part of Brazil's threatened Atlantic Forest and increase sustainable management of state-owned farms and forest plantations in China.

These two major forest restoration and management projects mark the first within HP’s Sustainable Forests Cooperative, which go beyond sustainable fibre sourcing programmes.

The Cooperative is designed to drive action now and inspire others to preserve and improve forest ecosystems for future generations. Our mission is that printing with HP will directly increase responsible FSC-certified and recycled fibre sourcing, while aiding the reparation, protection,

and improved administration of the world’s forests for future generations.

As part of the agreement, we will also contribute towards WWF’s development of science-based targets for forests. The partnership will provide much needed guidance on the quantity and quality of forestland needed in key regions to rehabilitate and safeguard forest ecosystems and natural co-benefits that provide for people, plants and animals. HP will also support the development of external tools to help companies estimate the climate, water, and biodiversity benefits associated with various conservation efforts.

OPI: What has HP achieved in terms of other ecologically-sound practices related to your offices, factories, transportation, etc?

NH: Addressing climate change is not only our responsibility, but also vital to the long-term success of the company. While our direct operations are the smallest contributor to our carbon footprint, we work to model sustainable business practices through our Sustainable Impact culture.

For instance, having achieved our first generation science-based Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target in 2017, we now have a resolution to reduce emissions by 60% by 2025, compared to 2015. This new target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative as consistent with levels required to hold global warming to 1.5°C. We pursue environmental management and green building certifications at HP-owned and leased facilities worldwide where feasible. So far, 18 facilities are certified to ISO 14001 standards, with 15 as part of our global ISO 14001 certificate. 13 sites are now LEED-certified with one in progress, two locations are SITES-endorsed and another has gained Green Mark credentials.

7 n GREEN THINKING 2019

BIG INTERVIEW HP INC

to create a successful programme. There is always room for improvement in the work we are doing, but we have the legacy knowledge, talent and right partnerships that will allow us to meet the goals we’ve set and help us achieve even more in the future.

To reduce and recycle water used at our premises, we employ smart building practices, sustainable landscaping, infrastructure upgrades, and greywater reuse. Even though our facilities do not generate large amounts of waste, we still employ a global policy of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ that supports our company-wide shift towards a circular economy. Our efforts have paid off as our headquarters in Palo Alto was the first technology campus in the state to achieve Gold TRUE Zero Waste certification through Green Business Certification Inc and the U.S. Green Building Council.

In terms of transportation, HP is one of ten founding members of EV100, a Climate Group initiative launched in 2017 to accelerate technological development of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide. We are looking to install EV infrastructure at all viable sites worldwide by 2040.

Last year, we offered it at 19% of the 88 target sites across the world. And, of course, we plan to add EVs to HP’s own fleet.

OPI: We’ve not really discussed renewable energy. What are your plans in this regard?

NH: As I mentioned earlier, we have bolstered our environmental vow by pledging to achieve 100% renewable electricity usage in our worldwide operations by 2035. To support these efforts, we joined the RE100 initiative led by The Climate Group and, as of last year, we'd achieved 47% of that target globally and 100% renewable electricity in our US operations.

Through a combination of on-site generation, retail supply options, and project-specific supplier solutions, we persistently search for cost-effective opportunities to source new renewable power that supplies the energy markets where sites are based. There have been two major achievements in this area. Last year, we became one of the largest green power users among technology and telecommunications partners within the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership programme. We were also among the first companies to sign the Renewable Thermal Energy Buyers’ Statement.

The HP LIFE programme

provides free,

anytime access

to quality skills training

OPI: We can’t talk about sustainability without including corporate social responsibility as a whole. So, as a wrap-up to this interview, could you talk about some of HP’s projects?

NH: Absolutely. We’re extremely proud of our CSR campaigns and one of the areas where we excel is in education and digital learning. We believe that quality education is a fundamental human right and technology can be the great equaliser.

One of our goals is enabling better learning outcomes for 100 million people by 2025. So far, more than 21 million students and adult learners have benefited from HP’s education programmes and solutions. An important initiative to reach this goal is one we have undertaken with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other partners. Through this, we have established three HP Learning Studios in Jordan focused on enabling refugee youths to learn in-demand skills for the work of the future. Three more HP Learning Studios are planned for Lebanon.

In addition, HP LIFE (Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs) is a programme of the HP Foundation that provides free, anytime access to quality skills training to start or grow a business.

It offers 32 online courses in seven languages, including a 3D course module. We are also enabling students and teachers in rural and marginalised communities to access free, high-quality, open source educational resources without an internet connection via the HP School Cloud, with an aim to reach one million learners within the next five years.

OPI: What are the main challenges facing your sustainability efforts?

NH: Part of the challenge is deciding which efforts to focus on that will have the greatest impact. The whole company – from the executive leadership team to general employees – is invested in our Sustainable Impact strategy.

Sometimes we have found ourselves on the leading edge of programmes, for example, our recycling processes which in the past, took collaboration between our manufacturing and sustainability teams and multiple partners with expertise in specific areas of the recycling process

8 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

Plastic – not so fantastic The backlash against plastic, in particular single-use, is gathering steam, with large businesses joining various environmental organisations and declaring lofty ambitions to cut or eliminate its use.

While encouraging, dig a little deeper and the issue is far more complex than it first appears – by Michelle Sturman

T

he figures cited regarding the amount of plastic created and discarded are mind-boggling and plain frightening.

Every year, it is estimated more than eight million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the waterways and oceans. According to the Solving Plastic Pollution Through Accountability report by the WWF, over three-quarters of the plastic ever produced is already waste, and an additional 104 million tonnes are expected to enter the world’s ecosystems by 2030.

If this isn't enough to sway businesses to take a stand, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) estimates that after a short first use, 95% of plastic packaging material value annually – equivalent to $80-$120 billion – is lost from the global economy. Plastic production in 2014 was 311 million tonnes and this amount is forecast to double within the next 20 years.

Packaging alone represents 26% of the total volume of plastics used and is mostly single-use with low recycling rates.

While these statistics may be alarming, large global manufacturers are slowly waking up and making pledges to deal with the single-use plastic and packaging they release into the world. It should come as no surprise that the top plastic polluter worldwide is Coca-Cola (for the second year running), followed by Nestlé and PepsiCo according to a new report, BRANDED Volume II: Identifying the World’s Top Corporate Plastic Polluters. The others rounding up the top ten are: Mondelez International, Unilever, Mars, P&G, Colgate-Palmolive, Philip Morris International and Perfetti Van Melle.

Fundamental shift There is at least some good news. Many organisations and programmes have been established whereby the sole purpose is to help combat the problem. These include the Global Plastic Action Partnership launched during the 2018 Sustainable Development Impact Summit; Plastic Bank; NextWave Plastics; and ReSource:Plastic, a new hub from the WWF aimed at changing commitment into measurable action.

WWF estimates fewer than 100 companies could potentially avert as much as ten million tonnes of plastic waste – the latter figure could potentially triple by causing a domino effect across industries and supply chains. ReSource offers a systemsbased approach to tackling plastic production, consumption, waste management and recycling.

Principal members that have signed up to the scheme include Tetra Pak, Keurig Dr Pepper, P&G and Coca-Cola.

At the launch in May, WWF Chief Conservation Officer Nik Sekhran said: “To get closer to our goal of no plastic in nature will take nothing short of transforming the entire value chain. ReSource is designed to identify the concrete changes that will make the biggest impacts in reducing a company’s plastic pollution footprint.”

Organisations such as EMF and Ocean Conservancy have joined ReSource as ‘thought partners’. As EMF New Plastics Economy Lead Sander Defruyt explained at the time, to eliminate unnecessary plastics and innovate so those that

10 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

we do need can be used without becoming waste or pollution, will require “unprecedented levels of ambition and collaboration”.

For its own part, EMF introduced the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment late last year in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme. It brings together key stakeholders – businesses, governments and other associations – in a worldwide initiative united behind a common vision of a circular economy where plastics never become waste. 400 organisations (including HP Inc, Apple, Mars, Coca-Cola, Unilever, James Cropper, Stora Enso, Walmart, Clorox, Sealed Air, Essity, Henkel, Carrefour and Mondi) have now joined the scheme which collectively represent around 20% of the world’s plastic packaging.

EMF recently released its first annual progress report which reveals around 60% of business signatories’ plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable today. Through the Global Commitment, the parties have pledged to making this 100% by 2025.

In addition, around 60% of packaging producers, brands and retailers that use polystyrene, expanded polystyrene or polyvinylidene chloride have already eliminated or have firm plans to remove these materials from their portfolio. This figure approaches 70% for single-use straws, black plastics, and carrier bags, while it reaches 79% for polyvinyl chloride. Meanwhile, recyclers have committed to quadruple their collective processing capacity between now and 2025.

According to UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen: “Addressing plastic pollution requires a fundamental system shift, from a linear to a circular economy for plastic.

We need all actors to work together in the plastic pollution crisis. The UN Environment Programme calls on all relevant businesses and governments to join the Global Commitment to fight against plastic pollution as part of the implementation plan ‘Towards a Pollution-free Planet’.”

To get closer to our goal of no plastic in nature will take nothing short of transforming the entire value chain

Taking action While efforts from the big brands in terms of making packaging reusable, recyclable or incorporating recycled plastic in items is a crucial step in the right direction, not all environmental organisations are entirely convinced. Greenpeace, for example, believes the solution should first and foremost be the reduction of overall single-use plastic released into the world.

Although the main culprits are seemingly taking action, to dramatically lessen the total amount of single-use plastic and plastic packaging floating around the planet will take real commitment from

11 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

Fujitsu, meanwhile, has vowed to end the use of plastic cups and straws, will no longer offer plastic bottled drinks in meeting spaces and cafés, and those in vending machines will be replaced with cans or paper cartons.

A survey undertaken by MarketDojo on the attitude of preserving the environment and waste reduction by UK-based businesses, found that 37% were already using recycled office supplies and 52% had banned disposable plastic cups. Additionally, 62% reported using sustainable suppliers as the main way of achieving a plastic-free workplace.

all industries and their respective supply chains.

The business supplies industry is not immune to the negativity surrounding single-use plastic and packaging. Across the entire sector, companies are already making a wide variety of changes from small, incremental steps to broad-sweeping policies.

UK dealer group Integra Business Solutions, for example, has launched reusable and recyclable paper bags for its Initiative brand.

Sustainability-focused UK reseller Commercial Group, which is renowned for its environmental acumen, has vowed to be single-use plastic free by 2020. At the beginning of this year, the company removed the lightweight shrink-wrap film packaging from its business catalogues as part of its ongoing efforts. Says co-founder Simone Hindmarch: “For Commercial, our own commitment to finding more sustainable alternatives across our business continues apace. What we don’t want to do is discard single-use plastic and move to something more harmful; we’re trying to understand the whole life cycle.

“Change isn’t going to happen overnight, and it’s not going to be easy. But honest conversations, an innovative approach, and a commitment to making a difference are the tools needed to ensure that we are all heading in a positive direction.”

OP vendors are also introducing innovative packaging solutions. Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK, for instance, has introduced plastic-free packaging that is biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. For its part, Maped Helix has committed to removing single-use plastic from at least 50% of its products by 2021.

What we don’t want to do is discard single-use plastic and move to something more harmful

The way forward With as little as 14% of plastic packaging recycled globally in 2017, according to EMF and the complex nature of recycling, the focus must shift to reducing single-use plastic and plastic packaging at the source. This is not as easy as it seems, however. Removing wrapping from certain foods, for instance, will eradicate the plastic, but may contribute to food waste which produces methane – a greenhouse gas more potent than CO2 – when sent to landfill.

Government bans from the likes of the UK and Canada on certain single-use plastics may force an upsurge in creative solutions such as bioplastics and compostable materials, but are currently not without their own complications. This is in part due to their newness, lack of infrastructure and low consumer awareness. Nevertheless, where there’s a will there’s a way and closing the loop on single-use plastic and packaging through circular economy practices is arguably the way forward.

The New Plastics Economy vision Signatories of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy Global Commitment recognise a circular economy that, for plastic packaging specifically, is defined by six characteristics: 1. Elimination of problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging through redesign, innovation, and new delivery models is a priority.

2. Reuse models are applied where relevant, reducing the need for single-use packaging.

3. All plastic packaging is 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable by design.

4. All plastic packaging is reused, recycled or composted in practice.

5. The use of plastic is fully decoupled from the consumption of finite resources.

6. All plastic packaging is free of hazardous chemicals, and the health, safety, and rights of all people involved are respected.

For more information visit www.newplasticseconomy.org.

12 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE CARBON NEUTRAL

Make the future bright

A

s global temperatures reach record highs, fires rage through states in various countries across the planet and carbon emissions continue to climb, the United Nations (UN) has issued a stark warning: the world needs to increase its efforts between three- and fivefold to contain climate change to a 1.5°C rise at most.

To effectively deal with the climate crisis, one of the biggest commitments as mandated by the Paris Agreement is cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve this, the world must be net zero carbon, or carbon neutral, by 2050.

At the UN Climate Action Summit held in New York during September, Secretary-General António Guterres said: “The best science, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, tells us any temperature rise above 1.5°C will lead to major and irreversible damage to the ecosystems that support us.

“On our current path, we face at least 3°C of global heating by the end of the century. The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win.”

Carbon cutting Reducing GHG emissions is now imperative as CO2 levels in the atmosphere have risen over the past couple of years. The Guardian newspaper in the UK publishes a weekly carbon count which reveals atmospheric CO2 readings (parts per million) from Mauna Loa in Hawaii. For the week of 3 November 2019, CO2 levels were 409.90 ppm. For the same period last year, they were 406.99 ppm, while ten years ago, readings measured 385.42 ppm. By comparison, the pre-industrial base is 280 ppm and the safe level is 350 ppm.

Most governments and business leaders are slowly responding to the call. The UK, for instance, was the first major economic power to pass a net zero emissions law – but only in June this year.

The target requires the country to bring all GHG emissions to net zero by 2050.

To reach this goal will necessitate a major transformation in terms of manufacturing, construction and buildings, transportation and energy requirements. In fact, just about every facet of our daily lives, including the way we conduct business, will likely be modified.

An 'easy' win in the fight towards becoming carbon neutral is swapping to renewable energy. This year, UK office products group Spicers-OfficeTeam (SPOT), for example, transitioned to 100% renewable electricity sourced from wind power. The switch will deliver an 840-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions per annum. The company has also reduced the carbon footprint of its delivery operations by significantly cutting the annual mileage of its transport fleet.

However, despite renewables constituting more than a quarter (26%) of worldwide electricity production, global think tank REN21 argues a "lack of ambitious and sustained policies to drive decarbonisation across the heating, cooling and transport sectors means countries are not maximising the benefits of the transition – including cleaner air and energy security – for their people".

On a more positive note, the organisation notes that, in spite of insufficient support, initiatives such as sustainable biofuels, electric vehicles and building energy codes are being implemented.

While policy-makers dither, it is up to businesses to take the lead. Over and above the move to renewable energy, there are many simple steps companies can take to reduce workplace-related GHG emissions (see Green Office on page 20 for tips).

How to reduce and offset carbon emissions • Choose comprehensive carbon calculators • Set meaningful limits of responsibility • Put efficiency first • Purchase 100% truly new renewable energy • The voluntary market has developed many credible carbon offset projects • Offset projects that avoid emissions are best for the long-term • Carbon sequestration in plants and soils can be vulnerable but has additional benefits • Tropical reforestation and avoided deforestation are efficient, cost-effective land-based strategies • Choose offset projects with stringent standards • Integrate expenses for offsetting into the cost of activities • Make a carbon emissions inventory • Aim for zero net carbon emissions Source: Global Carbon Project

14 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW BREAKROOM

Breakroom breakthrough The office breakroom is changing radically and so are attitudes about the type of products used to keep it running – by David Holes

T

fibre-based options,” says Jim Prestage, Corporate Account Manager of the Foodservice Division at US breakroom specialist Dart Container Sales.

“We’ve long led our industry in providing education about recycling opportunities and consumers’ growing interest in the origins of food and beverage packaging gives us a great opportunity to continue this. For example, people don’t realise that some plastics, such as PET and polypropylene, are actually very recyclable. We hope that by highlighting the environmental attributes of products, we can better inform our customers and drive them towards the right products for their breakroom needs.”

Greenspeed – a Dutch manufacturer of ecofriendly breakroom cleaning products – has Complete rethink noticed two key themes emerging recently. The With green concerns rapidly rising up the agenda, first is a backlash against the profligate use of raw leaders in environmentally-friendly breakroom items materials, either in the manufacture of products are benefitting from an increasing clamour for their products. “We’ve seen a noticeable shift in purchasing or in the amount ultimately ending up in landfill.

The second is a greater awareness of the potential preferences, with increasing interest in paper and oday’s workplace is changing. Walls are coming down, floor plans are opening up and modern breakroom areas and cafés are becoming commonplace. However, the breakroom is no longer just a place to grab a coffee and a quick snack. As more personnel spend time working remotely, the lines between work and home are becoming blurred and employees now expect a unique experience in the workplace.

Crucially, businesses need to give careful thought to the demographics of their workforce, how they want the breakroom space to be used, what products they are supplying to staff and whether it supports the environmental culture of their company.

16 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW BREAKROOM

short- and longer-term adverse effects cleaning materials can have on human health. As such, says Marketing Manager Floor Loos, the sector needs to completely rethink the make-up of the cleaning products used in the breakroom.

She adds: “Many companies now see ecological cleaning agents as a positive investment. We use green chemistry to create efficient cleaning products from natural ingredients, devoid of all toxic agents. They’re sourced locally from renewable resources, formulated using renewable energy, have a minimal impact on the environment throughout their life cycle and are biodegradable.

Containers are made from 25% recycled polyethylene (PE) and 75% green PE made from sugar cane. The packaging is fully recyclable and, furthermore, the bottle caps are not coloured to avoid the use of potentially toxic, dangerous dyes.”

For most surfaces, a regular cleaning agent is usually enough, but in the breakroom it’s wise to use disinfectants to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. However, traditional disinfectants contain alcohol, quaternary ammonium, and toxic volatile organic compounds that can irritate the skin, damage the respiratory system and be harmful for the environment. To combat this, Greenspeed has introduced a product known as Lacto Des, which is made from 100% plant-based ingredients that comes as a ready-touse disinfectant spray.

“It’s based on lactic acid,” says Loos. “It’s fully biodegradable, cleans and disinfects surfaces in an instant, killing 99.9% of bacteria within five minutes. Being completely free of alcohol and bleach, independent laboratories have certified that it’s safe for use in kitchens and the breakroom environment, without any of the risks associated with traditional products.”

Traditional disinfectants contain alcohol, quaternary ammonium, and toxic volatile organic compounds

Compostable products are starting to gain traction in the breakroom

approach,” says Anil Abrol, the company’s CEO. “It’s an encouraging time, with our name gathering a broader profile as more businesses look to our product mix to supply their operations. The success of our cups, plates, cutlery and containers gives us a great foundation upon which to develop added items. Thanks to a few key suppliers here in Canada that have picked up our lines – including Staples and Grand & Toy, along with other online channels – we’ve been able to extend our reach to a far greater client base. We’ve also just established a connection with Walmart, which speaks to a wider acceptance of these types of products. We expect to double our sales this year alone.

“But it’s not enough to simply put goods on the market and hope for the best. We have to inform our audience as to why it’s important that it should be making these choices. It’s no longer acceptable to just throw up our hands and say that such enormous issues are impossible to overcome.

Doing something progressive and productive is the only way we’re going to tackle sustainability.”

However, as Abrol points out, simply using compostable products is only one part of the equation. Many facilities are still not able to manage the next stage of their life cycle and compost them. Encouragingly, an increasing number of municipalities now have suitable facilities in place.

Interestingly, Eco Guardian is also seeing an uptick in institutions such as hotels and large restaurants that are taking on the responsibility and developing their own in-house composting systems.

Styrofoam stigma Styrofoam or polystyrene used to manufacture breakroom products or packaging has gained a bad reputation among consumers who assume it’s an eco-unfriendly material that ends up polluting the environment. However, says Dart’s Prestage, in addition to performing well in hot and cold

Compostable products emerge The desire to manufacture items in an eco-friendly manner using sustainable materials is vital to the start of a product’s life cycle but, once finished with, safe disposal is equally crucial. If a product or the materials it’s made from cannot be recycled or reused, then composting so it breaks down quickly is an environmentally-sound alternative.

Eco Guardian is a Canadian manufacturer and supplier of compostable breakroom items that is striving to eliminate plastic from this sector, using 100% plant-based sugar cane waste to create new products. “We’re now really starting to see buying activity that supports our thinking and

17 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW BREAKROOM

applications and thus reducing the need to stock multiple materials in the breakroom, it’s also a highly recyclable product.

He adds: “We offer a Recycla-Pak programme that helps businesses collect polystyrene foam products for recycling. Customers simply buy a collection bin from us that doubles as a carton to ship foam items back to us for recycling when it’s full. A pre-paid shipping label is included. This recycled polystyrene is then used to make a number of useful products, including office supplies, picture frames, park benches and plant pots.

“Additionally, Dart offers 3,000 breakroom products in a variety of materials that are recyclable, compostable or contain post-consumer recycled content. We’re particularly excited about our recently introduced MicroGreen insulated PET cup that contains over 50% recycled content, and the compostable sugar cane-based bagasse products in our ‘Bare by Solo’ line.”

Coffee and tea The UK may be traditionally known as a nation of tea drinkers, but figures released by the British Coffee Association show there has been a massive increase in the number of those choosing coffee in the country. 95 million cups are now drunk each day – a rise of 25 million cups over ten years – and 25% of that is consumed at work. This surge has coincided with increasing concerns over the sustainability of coffee pods. Into this space has stepped Lost Sheep Coffee with a range of Nestlé Nespresso-compatible capsules made from wood bark – or lignin – which is a waste product of the paper industry. Once used, they will compost to absolutely nothing in a matter of weeks.

“With offices trying to hit green targets for reducing waste, increasing recycling, going paperless and reducing carbon emissions, it was imperative that we were able to deliver our coffee in a format that is entirely compostable,” says Stuart Wilson, Founder of Lost Sheep Coffee.

“Until recently, compostable capsules had a short lifespan as the airtight seal would perish quickly and the coffee inside would go stale after just a few months. However, after extensive research and development, our new wood-based capsules have an enhanced level of oxygen impermeability which means we can guarantee a minimum shelf life of 12 months. Importantly, customers can now conveniently experience a quality cup of coffee, without the guilt of chucking more plastic into landfill,” he adds.

Despite the huge rise in coffee consumption, tea remains the most consumed beverage, after water, in the UK, with PG tips one of the most popular brands. Manufacturer Unilever has been working hard on the environmental credentials of this iconic product. “The tea itself is Rainforest Alliance Certified and the bags are 100%

biodegradable,” says Celia Benham, Tea Company Lead for Unilever UK Food Solutions. “It’s also critical that we take care of the people who help us to make our products and our estates in Kenya have a host of initiatives for the workers there. We provide them with pay and working conditions significantly above the tea industry average – two and a half times the statutory minimum. We also provide housing, annual leave pay, transport allowances, paternity and maternity leave, health care, nurseries, and clean drinking water. In addition, there is a maternal child health clinic that provides vaccination, family planning and postnatal services.

“Plus, we're big on education. Since 2008, we’ve enabled 86,000 farmers – around 45,000 of them women – to train at Farmer Field Schools for guidance on how to share best agricultural practices, increase yields and improve their own health and nutrition. This approach has furthermore inspired programmes in countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda and Vietnam.

“The plants on our tea estates rely solely on rainfall throughout the year. We’ve planted 1.3 million trees since 2000 and put a hydroelectric power scheme in place to support a shift to renewable energy. This now stands at 96% of the

Today's wellness generation is also demanding easy access to nutritious meal and snack options

18 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW BREAKROOM

total we use – much of this is thermal energy from sustainable wood sourced from our own eucalyptus plantation, with much of the rest coming from solar power.”

Dart's MicroGreen PET cup contains over 50% recycled content

Snack attack UK wholesaler Spicers says that the breakroom sector is showing good steady growth, with different trends and shifts in tastes opening up the opportunity to introduce new and innovative products to the market. However, water sales have suffered this year, with people switching away from traditional water brands to cheaper alternatives and environmentally-conscious consumers now far more likely to use a reusable water bottle and top up from the mains supply.

“But with trends come different possibilities,” says Hannah Dale, Category Marketing Manager at Spicers. “We are committed to doing business in an environmentally-sound way and our range includes Fairtrade and sustainable forestry products, those that use recycled and remanufactured materials, plus biodegradable and compostable alternatives.

We’ve been early adopters among those offering compostable cutlery ranges, along with food waste and plant-based catering disposables that offer a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.

“Today’s wellness generation is also demanding easy access to nutritious meal and snack options during working hours. This will have a huge impact on our marketplace in the future. Unsurprisingly, with more focus and education around healthy eating habits and special dietary requirements, we have seen an overall reduction in sales of sugary snacks.

Moreover, with more employers investing in the health and well-being of their staff, many workplaces are introducing healthy snack vending machines into breakroom and canteen areas. Interestingly, there’s still a market within the wholesale channel for chocolate bars, sweets and biscuits that are used for gifting and freebies by dealers.”

It’s clear that there is a major shift in attitudes taking place across the breakroom sector and manufacturers and resellers are responding accordingly. As Eco Guardian’s Abrol summarises: “The environmentallyconscious actions and investments being made by forward-thinking players in this category indicate an acceptance of where the market is headed and, perhaps more significantly, the responsibilities that we’re all meant to assume.

Some may still want to frame these initiatives as far outside the norm of everyday business, but we’re willing to bank on the rise of the more caring consumer looking to make sensible, sustainable choices that work for all of us.”

19 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE OFFICE SUSTAINABILITY

The green office There are a few simple tricks to turn an office into a more sustainable environment that is not only good for the planet, but also the health of employees Plants Besides creating a pleasant working environment, plants also improve air quality and enhance well-being in the office

Breakroom The use of a dishwasher can save water over the long term, and encourages the use of plastic-free glasses, plates, bowls, cutlery, etc. Try compostable versions if this is not an option. For the coffee machine, ensure pods are compostable/biodegradable or recyclable

Greener commute Allowing employees to work from home reduces carbon emissions. If this isn't doable, motivate staff to carpool or use public transport. Even better, provide incentives to walk or cycle to work

Cut the carbon footprint Reduce business travel and meetings by using videoconferencing technology and other, similar tools

20 n GREEN THINKING 2019

Green clean Ensure all cleaning products are eco-friendly and packaging is recyclable

FEATURE OFFICE SUSTAINABILITY

Lighting The installation of motion sensor and bio-adaptive/ human centric LED/ CFL smart lighting not only significantly lowers CO2 consumption and energy bills, but also promotes employee well-being

Healthy eating Support healthier lifestyles by providing fresh fruit and snacks Vending machines Swap traditional chocolate bars, snacks and fizzy drinks/sodas for healthier options

Office supplies Select staplers, binders, stamps, pens, etc that include postrecycled content and can easily be recycled/reused

Energy efficiency Use renewable energy by installing solar panels and selecting a green energy provider

Recycling Make it as easy as possible to recycle cardboard, glass, batteries, paper, plastic, packaging, magazines, etc, by placing bins in the most appropriate locations Power saving Turn off electronic equipment in the office when not in use.

Ensure any unused, old devices are donated to charity, or taken to an e-waste recycling facility

Water Use a water cooler (with recyclable bottles, obviously) or, if possible, an installed mains water cooler/water fountain. Provide glasses to help eliminate single-use plastic water bottles and plastic cups

Printing If a managed print solution isn’t viable, then print less using FSC/PEFC certified paper on duplex mode. Use a printer’s ecomode if available and recycle ink and toner cartridges

Washroom Switch to sustainably-sourced raw materials or recycled toilet tissue paper and smart soap dispensers. While the jury is still out on which is more hygienic – hand dryers or hand towels – go for automatic paper dispensers or try cotton towels if there is already a laundry contract in place. Use waterless urinals, sensor taps and low flush cisterns to save water

21 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW PAPER

The greening of paper

Although often disparaged for its perceived poor environmental record, it seems that the paper industry may actually be ahead of the game when it comes to sustainable production – by David Holes

I

t’s no secret that digitisation across all industries has had a huge effect on the volumes of paper being used by businesses and, indeed, the value now placed on this resource. But, says Don Earls, Business Development Manager at North Pacific Paper Corporation (NORPAC), although the sector expects the demand for office printer and copy paper will continue to gently decline by a few percentage points annually, demand and production capacity in the US is currently well balanced.

He adds: “Manufacturers are now progressively focused on efficiency and applying new technologies to successfully and affordably meet customers’ changing needs. Key among these is the demand for paper that enables businesses and organisations to meet mandatory and voluntary environmental targets.”

Dr Liz Wilks, European Director of Sustainability and Stakeholder Outreach at Asia Pulp & Paper, agrees: “Ultimately, digitisation has provided manufacturers with the opportunity to produce increasingly niche, purposed and personalised paper products and the industry has adapted accordingly. Sustainability is key and the role this plays in purchasing behaviour is continuing to rise. There’s also a growing expectation for brands to demonstrate their social responsibilities, with commitments to sustainable livelihoods and habitat conservation, as well as responsible sourcing.

“Manufacturers need to realise that this trend does not only apply to traditional office products items, but also to food and drink paper-based products, such as disposable breakroom items, cardboard packaging and coffee cups.”

The big disconnect But, according to industry advocate Two Sides, there is a large gap between consumer perceptions of the environmental record of the paper sector and what constitutes the facts. According to Jonathan Tame,

the organisation’s Managing Director for Europe, the paper sector has been working tirelessly over the past 20 years to reduce its environmental footprint. However, it still has a worrying reputation among consumers. This, he says, is partly because businesses are pushing the notion to their customers that moving online and going paper-free is the greener option, when in fact all they are trying to do is save costs.

He adds: “In reality, paper comes from an entirely renewable source when sustainably managed and farmed in an eco-friendly manner. It’s also increasingly manufactured using green power sources, such as biofuels based on waste byproducts from the harvested trees themselves. Over the past decade, European forests – from where the region’s pulp and paper mills source over 90% of their fibre – grew by an area roughly the size of Switzerland. Yet, a recent survey revealed that only 10% of European residents thought forest sizes had increased at all.

“The other big misunderstanding is the recycling rate of paper, which is far greater than the plastics and all other raw materials we use daily. In Europe, it’s over 72%. This is approaching the practical maximum recycling rate of 78% – some paper products simply can’t be recovered because they are kept for long periods of time, books and archived documents, for example, whereas other items, such as tissue paper, are destroyed or contaminated in use. For paper packaging, the recycling rate rises even more to 85%.”

Crucially, according to Susana Marambio, Head of Channel for Papers at Antalis in the UK, the quality of recycled paper has also improved enormously: “The times when it could damage or jam a printer are long gone. Recycled paper today is not much different in performance to virgin pulp products, offering excellent levels of whiteness and fast run rates.”

22 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW PAPER

In the US, the American Forest and Paper Association reports records for paper recycling, with 68.1% rates now being attained and substantial improvements in energy efficiency also being made. “We are proud of these achievements,” says CEO Heidi Brock, “but want to leverage our leadership in the sustainability arena and evaluate how the industry can build on this track record of success.”

Unfortunately, global markets were turned upside down by last year’s embargo by China on the purchase of recovered materials. Items that consumers and businesses had expected to be recycled ended up being burned or going to landfill instead. This has not only affected paper products, but plastics and other recyclables, too.

It’s been caused by strict new Chinese rules around contamination meaning imported items have to be clean and unmixed. In the US, for example, this is a standard currently too hard for most cities to meet – and it’s shaking up the whole recycling system across the country.

NORPAC’s Earls expects that when the campaigns for the next US presidential election start in earnest, environmental concerns, particularly as they relate to climate change, will play a big part in some candidates’ messages. Other issues, such as the problems with recycling, will also come to the fore, leading to increasing consumer demand for products – like paper – that have the right environmental story to tell.

The sector [...] has already made huge advances in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction

Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director at Mondi Group, agrees: “Environmental labels are an essential shorthand for people who work with paper. In most countries, a label which guarantees the paper you are using is made from sustainably produced pulp, such as FSC or PEFC, is now essential. Still, we clearly need to do an even better job of communicating the fact that the paper business is at the forefront of environment-friendly production, and paper is a sustainable commodity made from a renewable source.”

Carbon conquest As public and political concern over climate change and carbon emissions grows, consumers are seemingly now moving beyond the issues of recycled content and sustainable sources. More sophisticated questions about the environmental footprint of the whole paper production process are starting to be asked.

The sector has responded to this and as has already made huge advances in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction, according to Klumpp. “As a company, we have reduced CO2 emissions from our pulp and paper mills by 14.5% since 2014. Last year, all of our mills became 100% self-sufficient for electricity, many using biomassbased power plants which additionally provide heat and electricity to entire regions.”

NORPAC’s Earls supports taking part in thirdparty life cycle analyses (LCAs) as an effective and credible way of revealing the differences that switching to greener products can make. Explaining further, he says: “For example, NORPAC undertook a 2019 LCA which showed its Natural Choice copy paper had a 44% smaller carbon footprint and 92% less impact on the environment overall, compared with standard uncoated freesheet copy paper.

Certification success Despite high recycling percentages across many parts of the world, a constant source of fresh timber is still essential, as paper can only be reused 3-4 times before the fibres break down.

As such, virgin fibre needs to be added to the mix. In Europe, this comes from sustainably managed forests certified to FSC or PEFC standards. All paper bought within the EU is now covered by the European Timber Regulations which make is virtually impossible to buy material from a nonsustainable source, even if it’s been imported from outside the region.

However, a recent Two Sides survey found that only 30% of European consumers were aware of these schemes. Says Tame: “The industry must therefore do more to promote awareness of them to consumers.”

23 n GREEN THINKING 2019

CATEGORY OVERVIEW PAPER

Younger consumers, in particular, are weighing data such as this and factoring it into buying decisions to play their part in solving the climate problem.”

Plastic prevention The backlash against single-use plastics is seeing a swing towards the use of alternative sustainable, recyclable items and paper industry is benefitting from this trend. The public is gradually seeing wood, paper and cardboard as a green alternative, according to Marambio: “Consumers are realising these products aren’t the problem but can actually be part of the solution. In the past, the paper industry was one of the biggest victims of a form of negative greenwashing that promoted the idea that these materials were environmentally damaging, when in fact they weren’t. The tide is turning, and people now recognise these materials are entirely sustainable, and their provenance can be traced right from the forest where they were harvested to the ream of paper sitting next to your printer.

“At Antalis, the focus is on ensuring we are leading in the area of sustainability – one example is through carbon offsetting. We partner with an organisation called Forest Carbon that runs a voluntary woodland creation scheme in the UK. Thanks to our partners’ offsetting projects, 7.5 million new trees have been planted in the UK (nine million globally) since 2006. This means we have removed nearly two million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as providing flood mitigation, river improvement and public access to green spaces. Antalis has also introduced the unique Green Star System which provides a simple environmental rating across all products to help resellers and consumers make informed decisions.”

There are a host of offsetting schemes available, but one being steadily adopted by manufacturers across the industry is known as ‘Carbon Balanced Paper’. Run in partnership with the World Land Trust, it enables paper producers to offset greenhouse gas emissions through investment in woodland protection and reforestation programmes across the planet. This enables them to use the Carbon Balanced Paper logo on products, packaging and other printed material and convey an important sustainability message to customers.

Squaring the circle Two Sides’ Tame admits to a certain sense of frustration since, despite all the measures taken around sustainable production, recycling, carbon reduction and offsetting, a negative view of the paper industry still persists in the minds of some consumers. “Part of the problem is that people see negative news stories about deforestation in parts of the world and associate them, incorrectly, with the paper industry. A recent example centred on the Amazon rainforest fires in Brazil. These were caused by illegal actions, tacitly encouraged by the

country’s new President, to clear areas of land for agricultural purposes and palm oil production and had nothing to do with the paper industry.

“But because it involved trees – the raw material of our industry – being chopped down and destroyed, it will no doubt have generated a negative impression of the sector for some people as we all get tarred with the same brush.

It’s an ongoing problem and one we constantly must battle. The paper business has an important position to defend.”

There’s little doubt that the paper industry has made huge strides to clean up its environmental act over recent years even if, by its own admission, there is still much more to be done. However, although it does seem to be ahead of the game compared to some other sectors – as surveys of public perception show – the PR battle has not yet been won.

Part of the problem is that people see negative news stories about deforestation in parts of the world and associate them, incorrectly, with the paper industry

The right REY REY, a leading office papers brand made by International Paper (IP), has undergone a major rebranding to inspire positive interactions between people, their communities and the planet.

With a refreshed, yet recognisable logo, the launch campaign will reposition REY as “the conscious choice”.

The new approach will emphasise values such as commitment to sustainable innovation, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. By focusing on these key factors, IP aims to build trust and recognition of the REY name, and establish it as an even stronger player in the office papers segment.

The raw materials of the papers are 100% sourced from sustainably-managed forests, offering customers an environmentally responsible product. All REY paper sold in Europe has credible, internationallyrecognised certifications, including FSC, PEFC and the EU Ecolabel.

The re-designed packaging will be available during the fourth quarter of 2019, and more prominently in 2020.

24 n GREEN THINKING 2019

INITIATIVES CSR

Being responsible Whether you go all in and be all-encompassing in your CSR efforts or focus on specific initiatives, social responsibility is something that makes philanthropic as well as business sense – by Heike Dieckmann

C

orporate social responsibility (CSR) is now a very big deal as companies’ strong and effective CSR policies and their reputation, brand image and even overall success are becoming inextricably linked. On a broad global scale, the likes of Google, Microsoft, Lego and The Walt Disney Company are always up there in the rankings of great CSR companies, their order depending on which particular survey you happen to look at and what criteria you apply.

Feel good, do good US-based Innovative Office Solutions is a company that excels in what it refers to as its ‘culture’.

Led by CEO Jennifer Smith, Innovative is always heralded as an exceptional example of a womanrun business; it also regularly receives credit for its outstanding employee engagement, excellent place to work as well as extraordinary growth and commercial success.

The remit and overall purpose of this $150 million dealer that was created only 18 years ago is to “inspire people to love what they do and who they do it with”. As Smith referred to in a recent article in OPI (see Big Interview, OPI October 2019, page 16): “We hire on culture over a particular skill because you can always teach the skill, but you can’t teach the culture. We have a long recruitment process that imbeds a lot of questions – at the end of it, we know what we’re getting and any new recruits most definitely know what they’re signing up to.”

Innovative produces a Culture Book every year.

This sizeable, 78-page (in 2018) publication has become a real marketing tool for the company, one that its sales professionals use as a differentiator and its vendors partners as an illustration of the type of company they want to work with. It’s also used during the onboarding process for new recruits. Marketing, recruitment and the resulting commercial benefits aside, however, the book exudes total staff engagement and happiness.

A sizeable proportion of the book is dedicated to the company’s core values. These, as the illustration shows, range from “be honest and humble” and “inspire smiles” to “keep it simple” and “own it”.

The values are explored and explained not only from a staff point of view, but also from the allimportant customer perspective.

In addition, they are linked to a wide range of community activities which, commented

Behaving ethically, conducting business fairly, operating transparently, protecting the environment and supporting worthy causes has become just as important in our industry. The scope of what can be done is wide-ranging and ever evolving. Some companies seamlessly transcend the boundaries of the above criteria while others stand out in certain areas or get involved in specific projects.

The following pages highlight a few shining examples of what can be done – inspiring and innovative, not to mention just plain practical.

Be Honest & Humble

10.7%

Learn. Teach. Grow

9.5%

Be Involved

4.1%

What is your favourite core value?

Own It

15.4%

Inspire Smiles

32.5%

Just Communicate

14.8%

Keep It Simple

13%

Smith, are another core focus of Innovative.

In 2013, for instance, Innovative set up the InSports Foundation. The mission of this charity is to help more children participate in sports.

To accomplish this objective, InSports provides financial assistance and sporting opportunities for them to get involved in, thereby enabling them to eventually become active, confident and successful team leaders in their communities.

Taking a look at the range and scope of the dealer’s and its staff’s involvement in the various initiatives – encompassing everything from financial fundraising to community volunteering or just plain socialising – it’s clear that this is not merely paying lip service and ticking the CSR box.

It's an ingrained business and personal philosophy of the dealer’s leadership.

As Smith said: “I get asked all the time, 'what is your secret sauce'? It’s really quite simple: we have created an environment where you treat people as you want to be treated yourself.”

26 n GREEN THINKING 2019

INITIATIVES CSR

Superstat donates to food banks Superstat is encouraging fellow industry players to join it in donating to local food banks this Christmas to help the half a million adults and children in the UK who rely on them.

The dealer group came up with the idea last year when the team decided that instead of sending Christmas cards to each other, they would donate food desperately needed by their local community instead.

Marketing Director Karly Haley said: “It started as a simple idea. While we were busy planning our own Christmas celebrations, there were over two million people in the UK that are undernourished and

might struggle to put a festive dinner on the table. We thought we could do something to help that. The whole team got behind it […] and our local food bank was delighted when we turned up with a car loaded full of food and toiletries. We made a small

difference in our local area, but imagine the impact if the whole industry got involved.”

Technology to help in the fight against hunger Alibaba and the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) have launched Hunger Map LIVE, a global hunger monitoring system that uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data analytics to predict and track the magnitude and severity of hunger in over 90 countries in close to real time.

Hunger Map LIVE brings together streams of publicly available information on food security, nutrition, conflict, weather and a variety of macroeconomic data – including from WFP – all in one place to show a holistic picture of the situation. It uses machine learning technology to make informed predictions on food security even in areas where information is currently limited.

Advanced data visualisation tools then convert the resulting analysis of food insecurity at global, country and subnational levels, and display it on an interactive map.

By having the most up-todate information on one central platform, WFP, the broader humanitarian community and global leaders can monitor

progress and identify negative trends early, ultimately enabling better informed decision-making to improve efficiency in response time and curtailing costs.

"The Hunger Map LIVE is a visual wake-up call every day, showing us a real-time snapshot of the problem and reminding all of us that we must do more to defeat hunger," said WFP Executive Director David Beasley at an event with heads of state, civil society and technology industry leaders on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly in New York.

"The Hunger Map LIVE demonstrates WFP's commitment to digital transformation, working strategically with partners like Alibaba to use technology in ways that help us become more efficient and effective," he added. “We started this strategic partnership with Alibaba in 2018 because we know that in the digital age, cooperation with the technology sector is critical. We need to continuously explore the latest technologies, newest ideas, and build lasting synergies with partners to help us reach those furthest behind.”

The Trussell Trust has 1,200 food banks in the UK. Each centre is listed on its website with items currently most needed.

27 n GREEN THINKING 2019

INITIATIVES CSR

Henkel launches #trashfighters clean-up campaign Plastic waste – and its reduction and elimination – is one of the hottest sustainability topics right now.

Employees of consumer goods firm Henkel came together in September at Mill River Park near the company’s North American headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, to pick up rubbish and debris from the park’s meadows and riverbanks, commencing the company’s #trashfighters campaign.

The park has over 30 acres of reclaimed green space and a thriving natural ecosystem, making it an ideal location for local Henkel staff to get involved. “With our riverbanks acting as the watershed drainage for over three-quarters of Stamford, building

awareness of the balance between humans and the natural environment is a focus at Mill River Park,” said park Education and Programs Manager Trent McCann. #trashfighters is a global Henkel initiative to raise awareness of the fight against plastic waste, with employees taking action by organising clean-up events in parks, beaches and local neighbourhoods.

The company’s broader sustainability commitments include ambitious packaging targets, such as making 100% of its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 – 80% of its packaging already meet these criteria. Henkel also strives to increase the percentage of recycled plastic used in its packaging.

CSR stepping stones UK business supplies reseller Commercial Group is a company that embodies CSR in all its facets – social and environmental best practice is its vision. As such, it’s no surprise that this independent dealer is involved in a wide range of activities to make sure this mission is always a reality.

Some of its most recent initiatives and achievements include: l Winning three accolades at the prestigious Planet Mark Awards, in the Employee Engagement, Best Newcomer and Personal Achievement categories.

Commercial was awarded Planet Mark certification in 2018, in recognition of its continuous improvement in sustainability, and its commitment to ongoing, meaningful action. Companies with Planet Mark accreditation pledge a minimum annual carbon reduction of 2.5%. l As part of its Change Champions employee volunteering scheme, a team of seven Commercial staff carried out garden clearance, tree lopping and general gardening for the James Hopkins

Trust, a local charity that was founded in 1989 to provide care for babies and children up to the age of five with a life-limiting condition. Helping in this way, said Craig Tomes, Account Director, Managed IT, meant that the charity could invest the money it would have otherwise spent on these activities into direct support of children and their families. l Commercial’s fundraising team cycled 500 miles (805 km) in a bid to raise £25,000 ($32,000) for Versus Arthritis, a community of volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers and friends that provides support for people living with arthritis across the UK.

28 n GREEN THINKING 2019

Giving hope through education One of the key projects in Blake Envelopes’ CSR programme and one that several operators in our industry are closely aligned with is the School in a Bag initiative. According to UNICEF figures, 20% of the world’s child population will never attend school. School in a Bag, a campaign run by UK charity the Piers Simon Appeal, is a simple solution created to help poor, orphaned, vulnerable and disaster-affected children throughout the world. Each backpack is filled with stationery, learning resources and eating utensils that will enable them to write, draw, colour, calculate and express themselves.

Having first partnered with the charity in 2018, Blake this year distributed the 120 school bags it sponsored to children from primary schools in the small rural villages of Lyamgungwe and Malagosi in Tanzania. Most of the population in these villages is engaged with peasant farming. Their extreme poverty and difficult living conditions mean that some families cannot even afford to buy the most basic of learning equipment – a pen or pencil.

Tim Browning, Creative Director at Blake, commented: “It means a tremendous amount to all of us at Blake to make our first bag distribution in Tanzania, especially knowing that this will have a profound effect on the children’s education which will provide a route out of their very difficult circumstances.”

INITIATIVES CSR

Cleaning up the oceans One Earth – One Ocean (OEOO) is an environmental organisation that focuses on water and coastal protection, as marine littering and pollution – with plastic but also oil, chemicals and other pollutants – has become one of the greatest challenges for global society (see feature on single-use plastic on page 10). In addition to deploying a fleet of ships to organise clean-ups in all corners of the world, OEOO is actively involved in providing training and education to advise on the problem and how to minimise and, ultimately, avoid it.

Office space specialist Novus Dahle in Germany is one of many companies that is working in partnership with OEOO to help with muchneeded fundraising, as the entity – headquartered in Munich, Germany – relies solely on donations.

When it launched the Novus re+new line of staplers and punches that are made from up to 95% recycled plastics, it also pledged support for OEOO. With every purchase of a re+new product, a donation of up to €1 went to OEOO to finance educational projects on the topic of marine litter at primary schools in Germany. The initiative began in early 2019 and a total amount of €10,000 ($10,100) was raised in record time and well ahead of the one-year campaign schedule.

Traditional office product goes vegan Veganism is no longer niche, but instead has become a megatrend. Indeed, according to the Economist, 2019 has been the year of the vegan. And while many associate veganism with a plant-based diet, this of course is just part of the story – it’s about much more than removing animal products from the food chain.

Germany-based Biella-Falken, which was acquired by Exacompta Group earlier this year, has long been a keen proponent of sustainable manufacturing. In July of this year, the first vegan lever arch file in the market, the Falken PP-Color, received V-Label certification. OPI spoke to International Key Account Manager Robert Grande about the rationale behind offering a vegan office product and the challenges that the vendor had to overcome in making it happen and receiving certification.

OPI: Why do you think there was a need for a vegan office product – did you see demand for it? And why specifically a lever arch file?

Robert Grande: Animal welfare is a big trend and end consumers are more and more looking for all manner of articles that meet this requirement. The lever arch file is one of our main products and is conventionally made by using animal glue. By changing our production process and using cold dispersion glue, Falken is able to offer the same item, but without any animal components. All Falken PP-Color lever arch files are now certified with the best-known vegan label in Europe, the V-Label.

OPI: How do you think the current veganism trend plays into the whole sustainability debate?

RG: The vegan way of life is increasingly regarded as a very sustainable one, because the combined global production of meat can be held responsible for many environmental problems, such as water scarcity, emission of the greenhouse gas methane and the deforestation of the rainforest for land reclamation for fodder plants. As such, the vegan statement has become a strong argument for sustainability.

OPI: What specific challenges did you face in making a vegan product?

RG: The particular challenge is in the production itself, which must be demonstrably set up without animal components. This includes the suppliers of these components – the animal glue I just referred to that we cannot use – as well as the manufacture itself.

Biella-Falken has successfully met these challenges by cooperating with all parties and internally controlling the processes.

OPI: What has been the early feedback to the product? Do you have plans to add other items that can be labelled ‘vegan’?

RG: It’s still early days, but feedback from the market has been consistently excellent.

Sustainability and animal welfare are very much in vogue and are therefore an exciting topic for all market participants. And yes, all the positivity we’ve received has already resulted in us launching a new product line with the V-Label, the Falken Pure lever arch file and clipboard series.

29 n GREEN THINKING 2019

SPOTLIGHT EMERALD BRAND

The Emerald way Innovative products combined with consultative solutions and services – that’s how Emerald Brand is driving its sustainability goals forward

E Ralph Bianculli Jnr, Managing Director, Emerald Brand

merald Brand has become synonymous with a mission to address and combat climate change in the disposable products category.

It does so through a wide range of ever-evolving initiatives and programmes, as Ralph Bianculli Jnr, son of company founder Ralph Bianculli Snr, tells OPI’s Heike Dieckmann.

only a select few recycled material products. By 2007, after extensive research, we expanded the range to include our Tree-Free products that are biodegradable, compostable, bisphenol-A (BPA) and chlorine-free.

We then built toolsets including our environmental metrics calculator, Eco-Squad, and the Emerald Sustainability Accreditation (ESA) programme to deliver the expertise in consulting that was clearly needed in the marketplace.

We have four distribution centres, with a fifth one due to become operational next year.

OPI: Please give me a brief overview of Emerald Brand and its remit and vision.

Ralph Bianculli Jnr: People who are not familiar with Emerald Brand often think: “You must have started this organisation a couple of years ago when the environmental movement started to heat up.” That’s absolutely not the case. The company – Paradigm Group – was started over 20 years ago.

My father, Ralph Bianculli Snr, was an executive in the paper and plastics industry in the 1990s and had two visions – firstly, cutting down trees and secondly, utilising petroleum-based plastics wasn’t feasible in the long term. He believed the world needed a more sustainable and healthier solution to solve both problems.

OPI: Tell me a bit more about your Eco-Squad.

RB: Eco-Squad provides sustainability consultation and solutions. The core goal is to educate, communicate and implement environmental strategies into our licensed distributor and end-user client organisations. We curently have 25 EcoSquad consultants across the US and UK. One of the big topics right now is composting and this is one key initiative that the Eco-Squad is involved in. We are working with regional composting facilities and haulers to build a successful and cost-effective infrastructure to divert food waste and compostable disposables from landfills to commercial composting facilities/ anaerobic digesters, so they can break down properly and reintegrate back into the soil. We’ve been very active with this in the New York state area so far and helped many of our clients divert the vast majority of their waste away from landfills.

OPI: So these two points are the cornerstones of Emerald’s sustainability message, is that correct?

RB: Yes, absolutely. Ultimately, we are eliminating trees and petroleum-based plastic from the supply chain and replacing them with rapidly renewable, agricultural by-product alternatives that are typically burned or thrown away. We’re creating a brave new world that also generates a whole new revenue stream for farmers.

OPI: How do you go about solving the problems that exist? What’s your business model?

RB: We first created technology to replace traditional paper and plastic products in our industry. Our original line was developed with

OPI: What about the ESA programme?

RB: Our first ESA, which was done as a webinar earlier this year, was extremely successful. We had over 70 graduates from our licensed dealer partners for this. We discuss topics from the very basic, such as what is sustainability or what is recycling to the nitty gritty, including which laws are being passed where, how does the composting supply channel work, how do you speak to customers intelligently about their zero waste initiatives, and so on.

32 n GREEN THINKING 2019

SPOTLIGHT EMERALD BRAND

Webinars like these give our accredited dealer reps two things: knowledge and confidence. Both are very much needed today, as sustainability is no longer just a topic, it’s a whole new business.

OPI: You launched the Emerald Ecovations division about a year ago. What exactly is that?

RB: It’s a part of Emerald Brand that licenses our sustainable Tree-Free raw material and the finished products to companies and brands across the globe.

A major part of Ecovations is to keep innovation at the forefront of our portfolio. In addition, this division is the expansion arm for our ‘farm to tissue’ infrastructure in the US. Over the past year, we’ve successfully launched our Made in the USA towel tissue line that includes a wide range of tissue products and, since quite recently, the first 100% Tree-Free paper hot cups.

As we are facing a major trade war with China, our Made in the USA solution has gained tremendous traction domestically. We have also been able to perfect and control our production much more efficiently.

OPI: Do you think there’s a (necessary) tradeoff between sustainability on the one hand and price and quality on the other?

RB: Our mission over the past 22 years has been to close that gap. It used to cost three, four or five times more to buy a truly compostable product; we’ve now gotten to the point in our efficiencies where we are competing with national, quality brands at the same or better price points, at the same or better quality.

OPI: What are you working on right now?

RB: We have recently announced our partnership with Genera, a US-based biomass firm to launch our Grown by the American Farmer, Made by the American Worker initiative in 2020. We are leveraging material that is traditionally burned or thrown away and transitioning that (Tree-Free) material in our finished goods.

One of our most prominent strategic goals right now is to continue to build our farm to tissue bioregional infrastructure.

Ultimately, we are eliminating trees and petroleum-based plastic from the supply chain and replacing them with rapidly renewable, agricultural by-product alternatives will divert food waste and compostables from landfill to break down safely. Thirdly, renewable energy such as solar or wind power.

We have to minimise greenhouse gas emissions – that was a big topic at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York in September. How do we reduce emissions of methane and carbon, for instance, that are causing the climate to artificially and abnormally shift at such a drastically dangerous rate?

OPI: Do you think these topics are being addressed adequately by our industry?

RB: I look at it this way: the more educated the ultimate consumers are on this topic, the more they demand change. As a consequence, all supply channels must adapt accordingly.

But I don’t believe our industry is doing that fast enough. If, on the manufacturing side, operators continue at the current pace, they will see erosion in their top and bottom lines. The industry is at a tipping point and needs more innovation and solutions in this space, and it needs it quickly.

OPI: Finally, I believe there’s been talk of Emerald Brand launching in Europe or, more specifically, in the UK. Is that true?

RB: We are in final negotiations with a major distribution group we believe will be the right partner for us. If we come to an agreement that is a good deal for both parties, OPI will be the first to know!

OPI: Who are your end consumers? Do you think they fit into any specific demographic or niche?

RB: No, not really – they certainly can’t be put in any particular ‘sustainability’ drawer. Our customers include Fortune 1000 institutions, major real estate organisations, universities and other educational establishments, cruise lines, manufacturing plants, technology and healthcare companies.

OPI: What, in your opinion, are the biggest sustainability topics globally?

RB: There are three. Firstly, eliminating plastic and preventing deforestation. Secondly, composting: we need to create full-circle solutions and technology that

33 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE RECYCLING

The recycling method OPI spoke to Method co-founder Steven Korner about its innovative recycling bins and how the company aims to change attitudes towards waste in the workplace OPI: Method is a New Zealand-based business. Why look to the UK as your next market? What other countries is the company looking to expand into?

Steven Korner: The UK is seeing a trend towards zero waste to landfill and an increased focus on businesses taking greater responsibility for their environmental impacts. Our recycling bins have proven that they effectively deal with separate waste and can be strong tools for companies seeking to change recycling behaviour in the workplace.

In March 2018, the first consignment of bins was delivered to renowned UK architecture firm Foster + Partners. Six months later, we opened our Londonbased office. We also have orders being taken from around the world, including the US, Thailand, Hong Kong and more from our headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand.

OPI: Please explain your ‘Open Plan Recycling’ philosophy? How does it encourage recycling?

SK: Method’s signature bins bring recycling out into the open plan design of modern workplaces.

Previously, receptible design was neglected, meaning it was inconsistent with the way people use space and often resulted in ugly bins hidden away in cupboards where they are ineffective. Method's bins motivate effective recycling behaviour through bold colours and clear icons, making it simple for users to place items in the correct place.

Visibility is one of the core components of Open Plan Recycling which means users are encouraged to consider their waste habits while reinforcing accountability. Further, when people think they are being watched, even subconsciously, they are more likely to sort their waste accurately.

One recycling station per 30-50 employees is our recommendation, which should be less than a 10-second walk for users. We have continuously found that Open Plan Recycling with our signature bins effectively changes behaviour – in fact, one business recorded reducing general waste going to landfill from 70% to 30%. The bins work in any open plan area and are being used in large facilities such as airports, sports grounds and offices of any size.

SK: Three years of design work went into developing Method’s signature recycling bins before they were introduced to the market. They are made from polypropylene, a strong, durable and fully recyclable material that can be used in the injection moulding process. The decision to use this material is based on our belief that the lifespan of a product is particularly important.

However, enhancements are constant, and we are also now producing bins where the black components are made from at least 50% postindustrial recycled polypropylene. This is just a small but exciting step in the development of our solution, as we understand the importance of product stewardship and our responsibility to contribute to a circular economy. Our internal sustainability team continuously works towards closing the loop on our products.

OPI: Is Method taking any other measures to encourage recycling?

SK: We believe in helping change the way businesses approach recycling and continuously

OPI: What are the bins made of? How does this fit into the sustainability message of the company?

34 n GREEN THINKING 2019

Method co-founder Steven Korner

FEATURE RECYCLING

develop resources to assist them in optimising their system. Offices should establish a ‘green team’ to provide clear and consistent information to staff. Furthermore, organisations need to be transparent about sustainability efforts, both internally and with the wider public.

Recycling in the workplace is about removing the barriers for users

OPI: What other ways are there to change office waste behaviour?

SK: To further impact activity, we need to consider why most people recycle at home, but are less likely to do so at work. Recycling in the workplace is about removing the barriers for users, such as ensuring bins are noticeable, placed where trash is produced and any easy general waste options are removed. Referring to the latter point, desk bins are a prime example as people are inclined to place all their rubbish into this singular bin, reducing the likelihood of recycling.

The cost of individual containers can also add up quickly – centralised bins mean a smaller number need to be purchased initially which in turn results in fewer liners required. They are also quicker to service.

Recycling efforts often lag when employees reach the office because there is a removal of personal motivators such as awareness of how much waste and energy is being used.

Monitoring and reporting data on this usage is a strong incentive for environmental behaviour on an individual level, engaging staff to actively consider their refuse habits.

OPI: Will Method expand its product range to offer wider any other sustainability and recycling solutions?

SK: Design is one of the core values of Method and the strength of power it possesses to not only look good, but effectively change actions.

We have a development team that is always researching and prototyping products for businesses and users.

35 n GREEN THINKING 2019

FEATURE PRINTER CARTRIDGE RECYCLING

Room for improvement

W

hile the topic of preserving the planet’s resources increasingly resonates for many businesses, there are some depressingly eye-opening numbers on cartridge recycling – or the lack of it – from leading aftermarket companies on each side of the Atlantic.

According to Clover Technologies Group, the largest collector globally of empty ink and toner cores, around 1.3 billion inkjet cartridges are used around the world annually and less than 30% are currently being recycled. In the US alone, the number of ink and toner cartridges that end up in the nation’s landfills or are incinerated each year is estimated at 350 million.

In Europe, it is a similar story; France-based remanufacturer Armor says that out of the 350 million cartridges sold on the continent each year, 70% are not properly disposed of.

Both companies have a vested interest in preventing empty cartridges – OEM ones at least – from being thrown away. After all, they are the raw material on which their remanufacturing models are based. In its 2018 sustainability report published a few months ago, Clover revealed that last year it collected more than 42.5 million cartridges, diverted almost five million kilograms (ten million pounds) of waste from landfills and produced over 16.5 million remanufactured cartridges.

Those numbers show that Clover is collecting far more empties than it is producing remanufactured cartridges. However, if a cartridge is not remanufacturable, it uses all viable components or recycles them to make other products. Armor does the same; more than 75% of the components from the items it collects are reused, but the remainder is

In the US alone, the number of ink and toner cartridges that end up in the nation’s landfills or are incinerated each year is estimated at 350 million

broken down and used as secondary raw materials.

For example, the Ellypse range of desk accessories by office products supplier CEP is made from Armor recycled plastic.

This type of closed loop relationship is likewise the backbone of recycling efforts by the OEMs. They don’t want their used empties competing with their own new cartridges, but they also have robust environmental policies aimed at keeping cores out of landfills.

HP Inc has detailed some impressive recycling achievements (see page 4). Xerox, meanwhile, through its Green World Alliance initiative available in 35 countries, gathered more than 6.1 million cartridges in 2018 and says it diverted about 4,000 tonnes of waste from landfills over the course of the year.

To reuse or recycle?

Which solution – remanufacturing or recycling – is better for the environment? A concept called the waste hierarchy puts reuse (remanufacturing) ahead of recycling in terms of preferability. Clover says its remanufactured toner cartridges have a 51% smaller total environmental impact than an OEM equivalent.

That number comes from a Clover-funded life cycle analysis (LCA) study carried out in 2010.

On the other hand, a 2016 HP-commissioned LCA report concluded that non-OEM remanufactured cartridges have a 42% larger carbon footprint than the original OEM product.

It’s not unusual for this kind of study to support the stance of the organisation which funded it. In this case, that could be missing the point. Despite their collection ‘war’ against each other, the OEMs and remanufacturers should be commended for their efforts to reduce post-consumer waste. Perhaps their real enemy – both from a business and environmental perspective – comes in the form of a new-build compatible manufacturer that isn’t committed to promoting the reuse or recycling of its products.

Strange bedfellows they may might make, but surely there is scope for the OEM and remanufacturing communities to put their mutual mistrust behind them and develop closer ties for a cleaner planet.

36 n GREEN THINKING 2019

RESEARCH OPI GREEN THINKING SURVEY 2019

The OPI Green Thinking survey polled industry members, providing a snapshot of the importance of sustainability in the business supplies industry

T

he OPI Green Thinking Survey 2019 reveals that the move towards sustainability in the workplace is happening, and the OP industry is generally responding. Unsurprisingly, issues such as single-use plastic is top of mind, which correlates with the worldwide discussions surrounding the reduction of the material within the supply chain.

Encouragingly, most respondents said that sustainability was very important or important to their organisation, and just over two-thirds have taken steps to lower their carbon footprint over the past year.

Key findings: l The ‘sustainable office’ will transform the OP product mix l Customers are requesting sustainable options in all categories l Sustainable packaging is becoming more prevalent within the business supplies industry

4%

What percentage of your current sales is due to ‘green’ products?

11%

No 31% 1-25% 26-50%

69%

46%

Do you offer customers packaging that is more environmentally friendly?

Yes, all of it 8% Yes, some of it 73% No 19%

52% Office paper

46% Office furniture

Do you think the move to the sustainable office will transform your product mix?

17%

35%

Education/school

63%

Jan/san

Breakroom

Stationery

58%

No

51-75% 76-100%

In which categories do customers request more sustainable products?

81%

54%

31%

Safety

Yes 69%

54

%

Have you taken steps to reduce your carbon footprint in the past 12 months?

Yes

Specifically referring to single-use plastic, are customers asking you to reduce this?

Thinking green

38 n GREEN THINKING 2019

46%

37%

It already does It will soon Not in the next few years

RESEARCH OPI GREEN THINKING SURVEY 2019

Comments on single-use plastic There are changes in customer orders such as requests for reusable or metal straws, water services instead of plastic water bottles, and toner disposal credit – North American reseller We have not had any direct requests, but the BOSS Single Use Plastic Packaging special interest group will drive this change – European manufacturer of traditional OP

Are customers asking for more environmentally friendly products?

Yes, definitely Not noticeably so No

2% 33%

How important is sustainability to your organisation?

Very important 44% Important 48% Not important 8%

Do you have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme?

Yes 50% No 40% Working on it 10%

New decision-makers are highly educated in sustainability and are rapidly demanding alternative materials that will perform, though still at a reasonable cost – North American manufacturer of facilities supplies

What does your CSR programme mainly focus on?

Workplace health and well-being 66% Pay and employee welfare such as diversity and equality 10% External charity/ community programmes 24%

Unfortunately, there is still much confusion around singleuse plastic. Some customers don't necessarily understand what it is they are asking for, yet feel they should be requesting it – European manufacturer of traditional OP Customers are advocating the reduction of single-use plastic in their supply chains. In response, we carry out plastics audits for clients and suggest better and more sustainable alternatives – European reseller Clients would like an alternative, but worry about maintaining quality – North American reseller Many trade customers from various sales channels are asking for more sustainable packaging.

We are currently relaunching our range with plastic-free packaging – European manufacturer of traditional OP People are asking for paper stir sticks and straws instead of plastic versions, as well as paperbased breakroom products and biodegradable cutlery – North American reseller

65%

Do you have an e-waste policy in place for customers and/or your own business?

Yes, for customers 6% Yes, for my own business 19% Both 23% No 27% Thinking about it 10% What's e-waste? 15%

9% 31%

6%

31% 23% 39 n GREEN THINKING 2019

66% Are you working towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Yes, several of them Yes, one or two of them No Thinking about it What are SDGs?

NEWS INNOVATIONS

Innovative thinking A round-up of some of the most interesting sustainability stories from innovators within the business supplies industry

Global recognition for Navigator Portugal-based paper manufacturer The Navigator Company is making a name for itself on the international stage after being selected to sit on the Executive Committee of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It is the sole Portuguese business and the only one in the forestry sector globally to sit on this management board.

During a WBCSD meeting in October, Navigator co-chaired the Forest Solutions Group, a sectoral body driving the agenda for sustainable development. The group recently launched the Forest Sector SDG Roadmap which is a benchmark document for the forestry industry, in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Council seat placement follows hot on the heels of Navigator’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality early by giving all its industrial complexes a net zero carbon footprint by 2035. To make this deadline, the firm has created an ambitious set of investments in renewable energies and new technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and plant forests in a way that offsets those emissions which cannot be fully eliminated.

The paper company is additionally ranked as a global leader in the fight against climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project, achieving a prominent position on the organisation’s A list.

Successful trials for Stora Enso European packaging, pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso has conducted several experiments with paper cups to ascertain their recycling properties.

A trial completed with Scandinavian packaging board manufacturer Fiskeby Board, for example, has confirmed that used paper cups could be recycled into whitelined chipboard. A previous test which was conducted at Langerbrugge paper mill in Belgium, involved an exploration into whether paper cups are valuable raw material for magazine paper.

Stora Enso SVP Head of Liquid Packaging and Carton Board Hannu Kasurinen said: “By exploring the recycling of paper cups, we are promoting circularity and are open to collaboration with other recycling partners.”

Circularity is at the core of Stora Enso’s new product development and the company recently launched Cupforma Natura Solo, a new material for paper cups. It has a dispersion barrier instead of the traditional polyethylene coating to make the cup leakproof. The barrier breaks down during the recycling process, ensuring that all fibres can be fully recovered.

Making a mark in compostables Launched on Kickstarter, The Paper Crane Factory has revealed Loka, the first working prototype of a compostable dry erase marker. According to company founder Cal McAllister, after a lot of experimenting, compostable materials were found to replace 100% of the petroleumbased plastics used in today’s dry erase markers.

Loka will be made in eight colours and be available in two three-colour packs. The cardboard shipping box is designed to be reverse-folded, exposing a compostable felt pad dry marker eraser. Users can return expired markers to The Paper Crane Factory if local composting facilities are unavailable. Marker distribution is scheduled for April 2020.

40 n GREEN THINKING 2019

NEWS INNOVATIONS

Lyreco extends leadership Global business supplies reseller Lyreco is one of the foremost sustainability-focused companies in the industry.

It has ramped up its environmental practices over the course of 2019 and announcements include a new product methodology, eco-friendly deliveries, and forestry protection.

Lyreco is testing its own products using the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology which aims to create a single label to help customers in their buying choices based not only on price but the ecological impact of the items.

PEF calculates the environmental footprint of products throughout their life cycle and Lyreco has already evaluated its detergent range and said it will continue testing all its own brand lines including paper, cartridges, writing and printing materials.

The reseller recently signed up to Fludis, a solution that uses electric barges and bikes for last-mile deliveries in the city of Paris, France. Created by start-up firm AMME, the barges can carry around seven tonnes of goods with 250 kg containers dropped off at certain points along the River Seine where they are picked up and delivered to clients by electric bike.

Lyreco estimates that by 2021, the service will reduce CO2 emissions by 35 tonnes a year and halve the number of vehicles it has that are making deliveries on the streets of Paris.

At the beginning of October, Lyreco strengthened its commitment to fight deforestation by joining the New York Declaration on Forests. Within the framework of the 2019 UN Climate Summit, Lyreco will develop new initiatives building on its existing environmental policies and actions. These will include the integration of forest management into its Climate Policy and participation in a new European Commission multi-stakeholder platform on deforestation, forest degradation and forest generation.

Challenging sustainability Epson has been busy enhancing its environmental credentials, which has now paid off with a Keypoint Intelligence Buyers Lab PaceSetter award for sustainability as part of the testing lab’s recognition of manufacturers advancing eco-friendly initiatives.

The technology company has focused on reducing the life cycle impact of its products as well as creating solutions that help end customers lessen their own environmental footprint.

Beyond product, the manufacturer has operational targets in place to challenge its own performance and improvement. In 2018, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved Epson’s global greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Within the company's European operations, its offices have taken steps to ensure that all single-use plastics will be removed by 2020. The use of renewable energy has increased to 55% and on target for the new goal of 100% by next year.

In addition, Epson is actively supporting the efforts of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has identified 14 of these undertakings that its initiatives can engage with.

Epson Europe has introduced a new educational scheme to support over 10,000 students of all ages. ‘New Horizons’ is being developed to elevate the understanding of sustainability, drawing from the company’s expertise in technology, paper recycling, waste reduction and more.

James Cropper comes full circle UK paper manufacturer James Cropper has confirmed its status as a recycling innovator after winning the inaugural Sustainability Impact award for Circular Economy from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

The Circular Economy category was open to organisations demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and 'closing the loop' by returning materials to productive use. James Cropper won the award for its CupCycling facility, which has transformed over 100 million used coffee cups into premium packaging, luxury paper and stationery products.

The paper vendor was also recently selected as a partner on four projects from The Cup Fund, the UK’s largest grant fund to support ventures that boost paper cup recycling in the country. An estimated seven million coffee cups from cities across the country, including Bristol, York, Gloucester and London, will make their way to James Cropper’s CupCycling facility.

The company was furthermore among the first 250 businesses to sign up to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment with a responsibility to change how plastic is produced, used and reused. James Cropper has pledged to support customers to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging through the supply of plasticfree and other paper alternatives; increase capacity for CupCycling; and send all plastic recovered during the CupCycling process for recycling or reuse by 2025.

41 n GREEN THINKING 2019

GREEN THINKING PRODUCTS

Green products Suitable for all offices, these green products make the workplace more environmentally friendly – by Amy Byrne

Lavazza Eco Caps Compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio and Nespresso coffee machines, the vegan Eco Caps are made with an innovative, compostable biopolymer based on renewable resources.

The caps break down over the course of six months to become compost when disposed with food waste. Self-protection technology creates a barrier against oxygen to ensure the coffee stays fresh, with no other external packaging needed. The coffee capsules are certified by TÜV Austria and conform to international standard EN 13432.

VENT for Change Stationery Range UK-based VENT for Change’s stationery range is made from recycled or certified sustainable sources. The selection includes soft cover notebooks and sketchbooks, along with pocket notebooks, notepads and writing implements.

Pencils, for example, are made from recycled CD cases, while pocket notebooks feature 100% recycled lined paper and covers created from 50% reclaimed coffee cup fibres.

The stationery is not only stylish, but also used as a platform to help protect the planet and support children’s education projects worldwide. For every item sold, a minimum of 10% of the product sales price is given to education projects worldwide.

Renz Plastic-free A4 Eco Frosted Binding Cover Renz’s new plastic-free A4 Eco Binding Cover means documents using the paper-based jacket do not need to be separated for recycling.

The cover is made from unbleached, totally chlorine free paper and is 100% recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.

Almost identical to the standard frosted plastic cover, the eco version also boasts the added advantage of being printable.

Exacompta Forever PP Range The filing products in Exacompta’s Forever PP range are made from recycled polypropylene (PP) plastic derived from household recycling waste such as laundry and water bottles.

PP is 100% recyclable and can be reused several times before reaching the end of its life. It is then incinerated but has the advantage of not releasing any toxic substances when burnt. This industrial process saves up to 830 litres of oil and three tonnes of CO2 for every one tonne of recycled PP. Rigid, waterproof and tear-proof, the files are suitable for intensive use and easy to transport.

Karst Stone Paper Notebook Karst’s stone paper notebooks are made from calcium carbonate, repurposing waste stone produced by the mining and construction industries. The process begins by crushing stone into a powder and combining it with a non-toxic, recyclable binding agent.

As no trees, water, acids or bleaches are used to manufacture the waterproof and tear-resistant notebook, it has a 60% smaller carbon footprint than most pulp papers, making it an excellent, sustainable addition to any office.

Every tonne of Karst Stone Paper saves 2,770 litres of water, 950 kg of CO2 and 4,720 kilowatts of energy. Environmental credentials include Cradle to Cradle, One Tree Planted, RoHS Compliant and REACH Compliant.

42 n GREEN THINKING 2019

GREEN THINKING PRODUCTS

Nestlé YES! Snack Bars Nestlé’s YES! snack bars are the first confectionery bar packaged in 100% recyclable paper. Using high-speed flow wrap technology, the paper has been certified to both FSC and PEFC standards and can be widely recycled. Previously, high-speed production of shelf-stable edibles was only achieved using plastic films and laminates.

The fruit and vegetable bars are vegan, gluten free, lactose free, high in fibre, have no added sugar and contribute to one of the recommended five-a-day. The YES! nut bar is vegetarian and a good source of protein.

Eden Springs BIO Cup After releasing a range of fully compostable coffee cups last year, UK-based supplier Eden Springs has introduced a new version that is both 100% compostable and biodegradable.

The environmentally-friendly paper cup is designed for both hot and cold beverages and can be used multiple times, avoiding the excessive waste created by single-use vessels.

Available with a 205 ml capacity, a plant-based inner biopolymer lining ensures it stays firmly sealed and insulated. Manufactured using 100% renewable materials, the BIO cup is certified to break down in under 12 weeks in industrial composting conditions.

HP Tango Terra Printer Touted as the world’s most sustainable printer, the HP Tango Terra is Energy Star-certified and EPEAT Gold-registered. The Tango Terra has also been certified as CarbonNeutral in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.

HP Inc has designed the entire life cycle of the printer system for carbon neutrality. This involves everything from the raw material extraction and processing to the printer manufacturing and transportation, as well as the actual printing including electricity, paper and cartridge use. The ink cartridges are made with recycled content, including ocean-bound plastic and plastic-free packaging.

43 n GREEN THINKING 2019

uni-ball Plastic-free Packaging Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK has introduced completely recyclable, biodegradable and compostable packaging across its key ranges.

The pack’s board is climate neutral, made from 100% PEFC-certified paper, and uses vegetable-based inks and a nontoxic, water-based blister varnish.

The print process has been designed to minimise paper and water waste as well as chemical use by using one of the shortest press set-ups available anywhere.

Sealed Air Mail Lite Sealed Air has introduced an improved, sustainable version of its market-leading shipping mailer. Using FSC-certified paper, the new Mail Lite has two separate components both of which are designed to be recycled.

The original PE-coated paper has been replaced with non-coated kraft paper and the bubble liner, which is now made from a minimum of 60% post-consumer recycled content, is easily detached.

OPINION RUSSELL HODSON

Zero-emission vehicles – are they necessary?

UK-based Anglo Office Group’s Commercial CSR Director Russell Hodson explains the benefits and challenges of deploying electric delivery vehicles

A

nglo Office Group was one of the first companies to introduce zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) or electric vehicle (EV) distribution to the London market – actually, the UK – in 2016, and did so at a time when it was not deemed necessary.

By “not deemed necessary”, I don’t mean from a social or environmental perspective because it is essential and has been for some time, but from a business perspective. While there was interest in zeroemission deliveries, they had not gained anywhere near the commercial importance they have now.

Fast forward three years and the service is an integral part of our proposition, sitting up front and centre in how we go to market. The environmental impact we have as a supplier is a key element of EVERY conversation we have with our customers.

The ULEZ is being looked upon by the rest of the world as one of the necessary solutions in order to improve air quality.

Challenges ahead It’s not all been plain sailing and we have faced many issues. Below are just some of the obstacles that have presented themselves so far, with still more to be overcome:

• Range – ZEVs today have an ever-increasing range and that will continue to grow. Anglo has the benefit of being seven miles from the centre of London but as loads increase, the mileage capability of the vehicle diminishes. Companies using EVs for distribution will have to calculate distances carefully, especially as there are insufficient charging points.

• ZEV size/capacity – earlier versions are smaller Creating cleaner air than a normal cargo-sized van. Although this Central London has had to put a much bigger is slowly changing with larger options and emphasis on clean air due to its toxic atmosphere, capacities coming into the market, availability is having missed its annual pollution targets every still limited and lead times are long. year within a matter of days. There is also a real • Cost – a ZEV is more expensive to buy/lease. desire to see vehicle reduction in the city which is It currently costs more to run a fleet of EVs seen by many as the best way to combat pollution than it does for those using traditional fuel. and congestion. Combining this solution with EVs is Unfortunately, the motor industry has been slow genuinely the way forward. Even though these are still to react to the increasing demand. relatively early days, there is now serious momentum • Clients – I have lost count of the number of with UPS joining pioneers Gnewt Cargo within the conversations where ZEVs are regarded as courier market in electrifying its fleet. ‘essential’ to a client or prospect…"but not if it The city is committed to tackling the problem. costs more to buy your goods!"

Mayor of London Sidiq Khan introduced an Ultra • Sales & marketing – as you would expect, the Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in April this year, which challenges are numerous: encourages the use of EVs. It is already having – Who is interested in this? Client type, decisiona dramatic effect on lessening the amount of makers, decision influencers? poisonous nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere – a 29% – How do you find and then engage with clients? reduction in the six months since it came into effect.

44 n GREEN THINKING 2019

OPINION RUSSELL HODSON

– What is your marketing message? Do you make green deliveries THE message – and run the risk of it being assumed you are a more expensive option?

– Is it a good enough message on its own? Let me answer that – it isn’t!

– Do you change all the marketing collateral you already have?

– How do you market your message? What medium?

– How do you prove the benefits? There are still a lot of sceptics as you would imagine.

– Should you be proactive?

As demonstrated, there are numerous challenges and these are just the main ones. Having said this, what I do know is that three or so years after making the decision to drive/lead the initiative, it is now starting to gain worthwhile traction. It certainly did not take the nice, linear route we had hoped for with prospects bashing down our door wanting to pay more for a chance to have their products delivered by electric vehicles. There were no studies either to prove what we believed would be the case – that you can deliver commercial and environmental benefits at the same time (if only you could capture more volume/value per order from the products you sold).

Taking risks, finding opportunities Admittedly, we did recognise the issues at the start, so we set the introduction of ZEVs to coincide with the launch of Anglo’s expanded products and services. In a declining market like office supplies, it was essential we found a way to increase client average order values to negate the higher costs of zero-emission logistics.

As with any new initiative, risks must be taken.

We looked for businesses or ‘projects’ where we could prove what we thought to be true and had to ‘kiss a few frogs’ along the way. We had to find opportunities where there was a will, scalability, and where it would deliver strong and recognisable case studies.

Without giving too much away, these were found by working with organisations and individuals that have political as well as commercial influence and could add credibility to the Anglo name and help us deliver our message.

Today, there are more than ten such examples and, without doubt, they are helping to obtain meetings and, as I like to call them, ‘what if’ conversations. We have learned some valuable lessons: the commercial ‘tipping points’ that make this solution viable; the message you have to focus on; how to mix the social and commercial solution; and when to walk away!

Russell Hodson, Commercial CSR Director, Anglo Office Group

You can deliver commercial and environmental benefits at the same time

Future investment The investments made so far have been the right ones for Anglo’s target market. Client demands and realisations are changing and not only are companies keen on how you can provide benefits to them, they are as interested in demonstrating to their customers that they are delivering environmental and social improvements.

The purchasing dynamic is evolving and the next generation of decision-makers do have a genuine interest and concern for the environment and a stronger sense of social impact which will only continue to intensify.

The political will is also there. In London, there is a huge focus on air pollution and congestion issues and it is moving to other cities, Bristol being one. However, this needs to be backed by central government to ensure a coherent and consistent approach and not end up like waste management, where companies are doing their own thing. The lack of commitment to environmental targets by the government is a concern and one that urgently needs to be addressed.

My advice to anyone considering the move into zero-emission logistics is: • Do it. It won’t be long before zero-emission transportation is a must-have rather than a niceto-have and the number of carrier companies introducing ZEVs is growing fast.

• Don’t expect instant results. This is not a ‘justadd-water' dish – you have to drive and push your message; often in new areas you would not have considered.

• Use it to leverage more products and/or services.

• Create a champion in the business who will attend talks and discussions on the matter and follow the subject and people who are driving this on social media.

• Get political. Find the influencers in your area who are championing this subject.

• Don’t focus solely on decision-makers – they exist in every client and this is one of those topics where the influencer is (a) easier to find (b) likely to be senior.

One final thought. Many conversations are now based around supplier consolidation and vehicle reduction objectives, not just emissions. One of the main causes of increased commercial vehicle traffic and multiple deliveries is Amazon and it is a welcome change to have conversations where you can really compete against them… for now at least!

45 n GREEN THINKING 2019

GREEN THINKING GLOSSARY

Sustainability 101 With the fast pace of change related to sustainability, it can be difficult to keep up with all the terminology. Below are some of the most common words that will help you navigate this complex world Aerobic digestion A digestion process that uses bacteria and oxygen to break down organic and biological matter such as food waste.

Anaerobic digestion Anaerobic digestion is a process that uses bacteria to break down organic matter such as food waste to produce biogas that can be used to produce heat and electricity or used as vehicle fuel. It also produces biofertiliser for use in ethanol production or building materials.

Biodegradable Biodegradable refers to the ability to decay naturally by the action of living things such as bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. It produces natural gases and biomass.

Biofuel Biofuel is made from living things or their waste and is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

The most common biofuels are ethanol, biogas and biodiesel.

Bioplastic Bioplastic is a plastic made from plant materials from renewable biological sources such as corn starch, vegetable fats and oils rather than petroleum. Most bioplastics are biodegradable, and their production is generally less intensive and releases fewer greenhouse gases than traditional fossil fuels.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) Carbon capture and storage is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and electricity generation. The threestep process involves the capture of CO2, then compressing it for transportation, and injecting it deep into rock formations for storage.

Carbon credit A carbon credit is a tradable certificate or permit enabling the holder, such as a company, to produce CO2 or other greenhouse gases. The emission limit is up to a mass equal to one ton of carbon dioxide.

Carbon footprint Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, whether from an individual, organisation or community.

Carbon neutral/neutrality Carbon neutral describes the action of an entity such as a business, product or event, where the carbon emissions produced are offset with an equivalent amount of CO2 removed. The overall aim of carbon neutrality is to reach net zero emissions.

Circular economy A circular economy is a model based on the principles of extending the life cycle of products/materials for as long as possible through sharing, leasing, recycling, reusing, repairing and refurbishing, etc.

Closed loop In terms of sustainability, closed loop refers to a business model where products are recycled and reused or, for example, when manufacturing waste is used to then provide the energy required to produce new materials.

Cradle to cradle Inspired by nature, a cradle to cradle framework aims to create production techniques that are waste free by ensuring technical material can be recycled or reused while retaining the same quality. Meanwhile, any biological materials will be consumed or composted.

Cradle to grave Put simply, cradle to grave is the full life cycle assessment of a product or activity from extraction to disposal and the environmental impact it creates. The term can also be used to refer to a company’s responsibility for the disposal of items it has produced.

E-waste E-waste commonly refers to the waste and disposal of broken or obsolete electronic devices and components. It includes electronic products such as mobile phones, computers and TVs which often contain harmful metals such as lead and mercury.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) Greenhouse gases include methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide that are produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases absorb infrared radiation and trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Greenwashing A form of marketing which makes misleading claims about environmental practices, services or products that leads consumers to believe a company is more environmentally friendly than it really is.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) Life cycle assessment is cradle to cradle or cradle to grave analysis of the total environmental impact of a product’s life, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, use and disposal.

46 n GREEN THINKING 2019

Paris Agreement/Paris climate accord The Paris Agreement is a deal signed in 2015 by 195 countries and ratified by 185 at the beginning of 2019. It aims to keep the global temperature well below 2oC below pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5oC. On 4 Nov 2019, President Donald Trump announced the formal withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement which will take effect the day after the US presidential election in November 2020.

Post-consumer recycled (PCR) Material or products that have served their initial purpose and been diverted from landfill are known as post-consumer recycled content. PCR is often used in reference to plastic that will be recycled.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Set by the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable future. There are 17 SDGs which are designed to address current global challenges including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, peace, prosperity and environmental degradation. The 194 member states that adopted the goals in 2015 have until 2030 to reach them.

Single-use plastic A recent addition to the sustainability dictionary, singleuse plastic is used for disposable plastic packaging and items that are intended to be used only once before thrown away or recycled. These include items such as straws, carrier bags, bottles and containers, cutlery and snack wrappers.

Zero waste Zero waste is the mission of producing little or no waste.

It promotes responsible manufacturing, consumption and the reuse or recycling of materials, products and packaging.