Page 9 - BOSS Today Issue 55

BOSS Today #55

the longer term ambition behind it. We Programme (“we already promote there that aren’t backed up by any kind
have now published how we’re going and support 10 Microbusinesses and of substantiation. Check the rigour with
to achieve that and it looks at eight are proud to have been nominated which those claims are being made,
key areas: Sustainable Innovations; for a number of UK and International because asking those questions will make
Low Carbon Raw Materials (e.g. using awards in recognition of the authentic other people think as well.”
waste wheat straw to make pulp); proposition the Goodness brand and Finally, Spence is keen to point out that
Breakthrough Technologies (e.g. programme represents”). there is support already available within
looking at geothermal energy in New the supply chain: “If I was a dealer I would
Zealand); Fossil-Fuel-Free Production; Advice To Dealers be looking to my wholesaler to cover off
Resource Efficiency (“We have a These, of course, are either large the people element, to assure me that the
programme called MESave which companies with significant resources mapping through this supply chain is solid.
looks at how we can reduce energy or small companies fortunate to have And then I would decide which products I
usage: our mill in Skelmersdale has sustainability specialists at their heart. would like to take on from the wholesaler’s
reduced energy consumption by 10% What options then, are available to small range: are they just going to be budget
since 2015 by using LED lights etc.”); dealers who perhaps do not have these and white box? They’ve got to decide what
Zero Production Waste (e.g. Essity’s kind of resources? their strategy is going to be, and make
TORK Paper Circle initiative collects The first step – as Risbridger explains their product selection accordingly.”
and recycles hand towels, which also – is to start looking at environmental BOSS of course has a raft of advice
generates new raw material); Clean issues and commit to real action: ”They and resources available to members,
Transport; and Less Waste After Use need to ask the questions – including such as their Environmental Road Map
(e.g. having more sheets on a roll so checking the validity of some accreditation (see page 20).
that less packaging is used). schemes. They need to start thinking That sticky toffee paper is clearly here
about what they’re doing and understand to stay.
n David Harman – Product & Services that they need to make some changes. It’s
Martin Wilde – the author of this article – is
Director at Lyreco UK – points not about rebadging what you’re doing as Managing Director of OP market research
out that the company has recently environmentally-friendly and no change specialists Martin Wilde Associates Ltd
(www.martinwildeassociates.com)
announced “a subtle shift in the actually happening –you’ve actually got to
expression of our core purpose as change something!”
a business from ‘A great working However, as Harman points out, “Don’t
day. Delivered’ to ‘A great working get intimidated by the big goals & targets
day. Sustainably Delivered’”, but it is that are used by some organisations. Look
clear that the changes planned are at the baby steps, the incremental steps. A
extensive. The first-ever local Annual lot of these are not costly initiatives – and
Report of its recently-launched Lyreco every little counts.”
Goodness brand contains six key Pybus believes that one good place for
objectives: Circular Economy (Lyreco dealers to start is Sir David Attenborough’s “At the end of the day, no
will have a recycling or reusable advice that we shouldn’t waste: “Ask
scheme in every category by 2026); yourself the question ‘Where are we business will be successful
Diversity & Inclusion; Products (these wasting?’ That’s a really good place to unless it embraces
will be as sustainably and ethically start. Then of course, while they’re going
sourced as possible: “By our centenary to stock a lot of products, they’re not sustainability within their
year in 2026 a minimum of 90% of our going to be experts in what makes each of organisation and it’s not
sales will come from products that those sustainable; but there are reliably
audited third party accreditation schemes just the products you sell,
are sustainable”); Social Value (“we
integrate social responsibilities into out there which are really good indicators it’s the whole culture of
our organisation: for example, we have of where they can be confident that they your organisation that
five charity partners that we actively are buying sustainable products. However,
support and we also get involved in they should also have discussions with you’re changing.”
projects with the local community); their suppliers and not take things at
Reducing Our Impact Globally (e.g. face value. The CMA have produced Andrew Bryers,
using LED lighting and removing fossil guidelines on misleading environmental Head of Corporate Social
fuels etc.); Micro-Business Support claims, and there are lots of claims out Responsibility, Lyreco UK

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