#Brambles, the global supply chain solutions company operating in nearly 60 countries through the #CHEP brand, is not just a thought leader but also set a benchmark when it comes to sustainability in business.
In line with its zero deforestation commitment, Brambles has achieved its target to source 100% of the #wood it uses from sustainably managed forests globally. These forests have to be certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These two non profit organisations only certify forestry operations that follow international best practice in terms of planting new trees to replace those harvested and having a positive impact on the surrounding communities and local wildlife.
This achievement was included on Brambles 2020 Sustainability Goals set in 2015. These goals are based on the company’s Better Business, Better Planet, Better Communities programme and were developed to align with key UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Fernando Martinez, vice president, Global Procurement for Brambles, the impact of this milestone is consequential on many levels. ‘By achieving this global goal, not only do we ensure that we take care of the scarce natural resources of the planet and eliminate deforestation in our supply chain, but we also make the world’s supply chains, our suppliers and our customers, more efficient and competitive thanks to a sustainability focused programme.
‘When we started the whole project, we had suppliers using their own technology and processes in different manners. The certification process has basically simplified the entire supply chain. We have crushed the widespread mantra ‘sustainability comes at a cost’. I hope this sets a precedent for other companies to follow.’
To contribute to a better planet, one of the areas Brambles closely considered was the environmental impact of its own operations. Even though its ‘share and reuse’ model for its wooden pallets saves an estimated 1.7 million trees each year, the company knew it could go further. The decision was made to address the materials sourcing policy for the new pallets and repair timber it required each year.
Fernando added, ‘We can be proud of this achievement, but there is still more we can do. Our focus as a company is to go further than ending deforestation in our materials sourcing. As leaders in sustainability, we want to have a net positive impact in the planet, to start contributing to reforestation and to build regenerative supply chains that make the world’s forest mass grow.’