Rowlinson's guide to sustainable business practices in 2024

Across the UK, sustainability has become a priority in all areas of business. With active attempts being made every day for nationwide and global companies to enact new sustainable business practices in the efforts to reduce their emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Sustainability means not only contributing to the efforts to save the planet but also saving money & nurturing a more ethical reputation.

As a vastly growing aspect within the international business community in recent years, sustainability is a topic of importance for trading standards, and there are so many ways that businesses can become more sustainable.

In this guide, we’ll explore 4 distinct business practices that can be pursued on all scales to benefit your business and the global impact you leave behind, along with real-world examples of how these practices can be implemented.

1. Reducing paper use

From offices to production facilities, paper is a huge source of waste that poorly impacts the planet. By eliminating unnecessary paper usage from your workflow you can not only reduce your environmental impact but also save money as information is made digital.

So next time you come to print some documentation, ask yourself: does this file need to be printed or can I help the planet?

2. Green energy systems

Operating on a larger scale, out of a factory or production facility, does not mean your impact on the planet around you has to be damaging.

Introducing new industry specific green energy systems, such as recycling plants, to your facility allows for materials and products to be reused in a variety of ways without the need for waste collection therefore reducing overall carbon footprint.

As an example of this, Rowlinson Packaging Ltd (North) recently invested in a new biomass boiler system, that allows waste timber to be turned into energy that in turn heats our factory and assists in running our timber kilns.

Introducing our new on-site biomass boiler has allowed us to greatly reduce our carbon footprint, with less waste collection required from unused and broken timber as well as boosting our daily efforts to lower our carbon footprint.

3. Sustainable packaging

Environmental sustainability is the responsibility of individuals and businesses globally to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems that support health and well-being, now and in the future.

Within the timber packaging industry this comes down to compiling information including the species, quantity, supplier and country of harvest of the timber we utilise in our facility.

Our team ensures all our sustainable materials are tracked as they enter the production line not only so the correct timber is utilised for specific packaging but to maintain a constant knowledge base on our sustainable development goals as a company to ensure all of our customers can guarantee they’re shipping and storing products sustainably.

To learn more about the potentials of sustainable timber packaging call our team on 01829 260 571 or email packaging@rowlinson.co.uk.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle

As a business and a consumer, everything we produce has an impact on the environment and should be considered throughout daily activities.

Commonly known as the 3Rs, introducing the simple policy for your co-workers and staff that involves actively reducing environmental impact of a business by reducing waste, reusing items and materials wherever possible, and recycling those which can’t be reused will massively reduce your environmental impact.

Educate your team: 2024 sustainable business practices

A successful team is one that works together, not only in business but also through sustainable practices. Educating your colleagues and team in methods of recycling or reusing materials, going paperless, or other environmentally friendly activities can massively help your business become more sustainable.

Leading the UK industry in timber packaging, Rowlinson Packaging Ltd is at the forefront of ensuring the complete forest-to-factory process is as responsible and sustainable as possible, striving forward no matter any difficulties we may face within our everyday work environment.

If you’re looking for an industry-leading sustainable timber packaging manufacturer within the UK that can supply wooden pallets, plywood cases, warehouse containers and more to all regions of the nation, you can contact our team at 01829 260 571 or get in touch through our contact form right here.

This article was originally published by Rowlinson Packaging.