TODAY’S SUSTAINABLE REALITY

 

Every year it seems we see ecological disasters that set records for disruption and chaos.  This is driving a desire to change. As of 2019, 59% of businesses claimed to have internal sustainability initiatives in place.* But does the reality match the intentions? Market pressures to be 'greener' can lead organisations to inadvertently box-tick or 'greenwash'. 

 

As businesses we must do more to stop the needle on climate change's devastating impact inching ever forward.  Our latest global research initiative highlights where businesses are struggling to couple ideas with action on sustainability, what they see as challenges to implementation and what they need in order to start improving systemic and operational sustainability. 

ISSUE: Limited Options
A lack of sustainable products is seen as a barrier for businesses

It's clear that durable products are a critical element to how we build a better future sustainably, responsibly and commercially. In fact, 89% of survey respondents agree longer life products are better for the environment*: durability has very much come into focus.

ISSUE: THE RIGHT CHOICE
Product longevity vs recycled material​

Product longevity is far more important for environmental and financial gains than an increase in 'green' purchasing which can often be anything but. In fact, extending the life cycle of passive products reduces environmental impact by up to 72%*.

ISSUE: COMMERCIAL COST
Reap better financial rewards​

The perceived investment and increase in ongoing costs for more sustainable practices is cited by 60% of businesses as a barrier.

DISPELLING SUSTAINABILITY MYTHS

52% of consumers are demanding businesses do more to protect the environment* and 95% of decision makers feel there is still work to be done*. However, the concerted effort of many businesses is gaining ground, changing attitudes around the cost and efficacy of sustainable products:

COST

When asked whether more sustainable products cost more, 74% of respondents disagreed*.

EFFICACY

When asked if sustainable products were less effective, 68% of decision makers disagreed*.

DURABLE IS NOW DESIRABLE

89% of respondents identified that longer life products are better for the environment*.

Better sustainability through better choices

A lack of sustainable products: the number one issue for participants in our global research initiative. It is vital that businesses fully assess the impact of their purchasing decisions by coupling ideas with action. Read the report and learn how to reduce your consumption.

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Product longevity and commercial sustainability​

Focusing on durability drives both sustainability and commercial gains. We examine why opting for recycled products is not the only answer.

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Commercial sustainability challenges

A closer look at the challenges businesses are facing when it comes to commercial sustainability and how they can tackle them.

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Future-proofing waste

57% of consumers say "reducing waste and increasing recycling" is vital*. Here's how to improve your waste management without it costing the earth.

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The RCP Sustainability Journey

 

This is our commitment to becoming as sustainable as possible whilst supporting your business in taking steps to act sustainably too. Our aim? To make incremental sustainability gains against a backdrop of commercial considerations and challenges. Join us on our Journey, and follow our progress against targets:

 

PACKAGING

We prioritize only using packaging that is needed. Just like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, our mission is to source responsibly and optimise and recover packaging resources where possible. We’re targeting 2025 for 100% of paper-based packaging to come from certified, verified or recycled sources.

PRODUCT DESIGN

We constantly look at new ways to meet customer needs and reduce environmental impacts. Our six key strategies for sustainable product design include ‘system efficiency’. Our six key strategies for sustainable product design include ‘system efficiency’. This encourages minimised waste of resource throughout each phase of a product’s lifecycle.

Operations

We consider sustainability across the board. It's not just the products we make that are subject to sustainability scrutiny. We are focussed on opportunities to improve energy efficiency across our facilities and are proud to have invested in renewable energy solutions.

Certification and innovation

Our strategies for sustainable product design will be a key focus in the RCP innovation planning process.We’ll also be evaluating the most highly regarded certifications, to support sustainable development of our range and ensure we measure our efforts against stringent third-party standards.

Culture and education

We aim to be an employer of choice, where people can grow and thrive at work. At every stage of their career, our team has a shared understanding of our sustainability goals. Environmental education plays a vital part in our culture.

LOVE SUSTAINABILITY

Our journey to a more sustainable future

​The RCP sustainability Journey is our commitment to becoming as sustainable as possible, supporting your business in taking steps to act sustainably too. We don't have all the answers today but our Journey charts a plan for progress. Let's do this together!

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CUTTING COMPLEXITY​

Helping your business be sustainable

Our global research initiative is designed to help businesses improve commercial sustainability, tackle perceived challenges to implementation and understand what is needed to start progressing operational and systemic sustainability.

Download the Report

The Love Sustainability Journey

LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER

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