Throughout 2019, we worked hard to reduce single-use plastics by 30% across our business by 2020.
We kicked 2019 off by removing plastic filler in our small pick parcels and now we’re delighted to announce four more eco-friendly improvements to our packaging and deliveries.
1. Eliminated 450,000 metres of plastic packaging tape from parcels
We replaced traditional plastic packaging tape with 100% recyclable and biodegradable gummed paper tape, which is also faster to apply and gives a more consistent result. Plus on selected carton sizes, we introduced a perforated ‘rip strip’ in place of the plastic strip, which means we eliminated plastic all together from the bases and lids.
2. We've saved 10 tonnes of plastic from our packaging of paper
Individual reams of paper are now delivered without any plastic packaging because they are put into a custom made, cardboard outer during the picking process, rather than individually shrink wrapped in plastic. We removed all plastic from the packaging and reduced damage rates, which results in less returns and paper wastage – that’s what we call a win win!
Bulk ordering our packaging cartons will help to improve Banner's carbon footprint by cutting transport emissions. We changed our daily delivery of 5 pallets of packaging cartons to a bulk delivery once every 2 weeks. The outcome is greater efficiency, less CO2 and reduced fuel used across fewer deliveries.
4. Reduced wastage
We’ve reduced our cardboard wastage by utilising a wider range of different sized packaging cartons. These cartons no longer need to be cut down because there’s a suitable size for most orders.
Corporate Social Responsibility at Banner
At Banner we believe it is in everyone’s interests - our customers, our employees and the global community’s - to dedicate our time to finding ways to ensure a more positive environmental impact. It’s the right thing to do. Being protective of our natural environment will help our customers to succeed, deliver better quality workplaces for our people and support our wider communities.
We're pleased to have a robust CSR strategy in place. This operates across four key pillars, Our Environment, Our Supply Chain, Our Communities and Our People. These help us to deliver social value and impact for our customers, community, suppliers and employees.
To find out more about CSR at Banner please click here.
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